New consortium seeks to simplify biofuel certification standards

    March 23, 2011
    Boeing and a Swiss group on Mar. 22 launched the Sustainable Biomass Consortium, a research initiative seeking to help develop and simplify biofuel certification standards. The Swiss group, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) recently created the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels.The consortium plans to use the roundtable’s sustainability standard to set regional benchmarks based on aviation biofuel projects. Various airlines already have tested biofuels. The consortium plans to work with groups implementing voluntary standards or regulatory requirements for biomass used in jet fuel.Research projects will commence in April, and the anticipated work during the next 2 years will include projects in China, Africa, the European Union, Latin America, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region.Billy Glover, vice-president of environmental and aviation policy for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said the aviation industry needs sustainable biofuel development.“This consortium will help ensure we have a transparent way to collaborate among certification processes that guide us towards a more sustainable future,” Glover said.Sustainable biofuel development is a key element of the aviation industry’s strategy to lower its carbon emissions, he added. Meanwhile, unrest in the Middle East has driven up jet fuel prices, emphasizing the importance of alternate fuel sources.
    Boeing and a Swiss group on Mar. 22 launched the Sustainable Biomass Consortium, a research initiative seeking to help develop and simplify biofuel certification standards. The Swiss group, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL) recently created the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels.The consortium plans to use the roundtable’s sustainability standard to set regional benchmarks based on aviation biofuel projects. Various airlines already have tested biofuels. The consortium plans to work with groups implementing voluntary standards or regulatory requirements for biomass used in jet fuel.Research projects will commence in April, and the anticipated work during the next 2 years will include projects in China, Africa, the European Union, Latin America, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region.Billy Glover, vice-president of environmental and aviation policy for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said the aviation industry needs sustainable biofuel development.“This consortium will help ensure we have a transparent way to collaborate among certification processes that guide us towards a more sustainable future,” Glover said.Sustainable biofuel development is a key element of the aviation industry’s strategy to lower its carbon emissions, he added. Meanwhile, unrest in the Middle East has driven up jet fuel prices, emphasizing the importance of alternate fuel sources.
    About the Author

    Paula Dittrick | Senior Staff Writer

    Paula Dittrick has covered oil and gas from Houston for more than 20 years. Starting in May 2007, she developed a health, safety, and environment beat for Oil & Gas Journal. Dittrick is familiar with the industry’s financial aspects. She also monitors issues associated with carbon sequestration and renewable energy.

    Dittrick joined OGJ in February 2001. Previously, she worked for Dow Jones and United Press International. She began writing about oil and gas as UPI’s West Texas bureau chief during the 1980s. She earned a Bachelor’s of Science degree in journalism from the University of Nebraska in 1974.

    Email

    Continue Reading