“Green diesel approval would be a major breakthrough in the availability of competitively-priced, sustainable aviation fuel”.

Airline manufacturer Boeing claims to have identified a new renewable fuel that emits at least 50% less carbon dioxide than fossil fuel over its lifecycle.

The company is working with the US Federal Aviation Administration to gain approval for its new ‘green diesel’ which could power aircraft, cutting the aviation industry’s carbon footprint significantly.

Boeing researchers have found that green diesel, which is made from oils and fats, is chemically similar to today’s aviation biofuel. If approved, the fuel could be blended directly with traditional jet fuel.

“Green diesel approval would be a major breakthrough in the availability of competitively-priced, sustainable aviation fuel,” said Dr. James Kinder, a technical fellow in Boeing Commercial Airplanes Propulsion Systems Division.

“We’re collaborating with our industry partners and the aviation community to move this innovative solution forward and reduce the industry’s reliance on fossil fuel.”

“Green diesel approval would be a major breakthrough in the availability of competitively-priced, sustainable aviation fuel”.

Significant green diesel production capacity already exists in the US, Europe and Singapore that could supply as much as 1% – about 600 million gallons – of global commercial jet fuel demand. The wholesale cost – about $3 a gallon with US government incentives – is competitive with petroleum jet fuel.

Boeing, the FAA, engine manufacturers, green diesel producers and others are now compiling a detailed research report that will be submitted to key stakeholders in the fuel approvals process.

In 2011, Boeing worked with the aviation community to include a blend of up to 50% aviation biofuel in international jet fuel specifications. Biofuel approved for aviation must meet or exceed stringent jet fuel performance requirements.

“Boeing wants to establish new pathways for sustainable jet fuel, and this green diesel initiative is a groundbreaking step in that long journey,” added Julie Felgar, managing director of Boeing Commercial Airplanes Environmental Strategy and Integration.

The green diesel can be used in any diesel engine. It is chemically different and a different product than the fuel known as ‘biodiesel’.