Story ID: 
New Biofuel Shows Pollution-curbing Promise
By: Curt Epstein
Caption: Tests conducted by Rolls-Royce show the blend could burn more than 50-percent cleaner than straight jet-A.
Word Count: 166
Bio-fuel manufacturer Virent is touting the lower-particulate-matter aircraft engine emissions resulting from burning its BioForm Synthesized Aromatic Kerosene (SAK) fuel blend. According to the manufacturer, in FAA-sponsored tests performed by Rolls-Royce, jet fuels containing SAK reduced particulate emissions by more than 50 percent compared with conventional jet fuel.

Based on the test results, British Airways and the FAA concluded that the fuel “offers the potential to be [a] drop-in fuel and hence achieve approval for use in the aviation industry.” The findings come on the heels of the latest global environmental conference and increasing pressure on aviation to curb air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

“We believe Virent’s bio-derived SAK fuel has the potential to provide the aviation industry with a cost-effective solution to reduce jet engine particulate matter and greenhouse gas emissions without impacting engine performance,” said Lee Edwards, CEO of the Wisconsin-based company. Further testing of the biofuel will be required as part of the ASTM certification process.