Boeing is interested in exploring the use of biofuel in the airline industry, according to Reuters. The American aircraft maker is seeking approval to use "green diesel" in global flights, wrote VentureBeat.
Green diesel is produced when oils and fats from plant oils, waste fats, and cooking oil transform into "renewable diesel." This kind of diesel can be blended with jet fuel to be used in commercial flights, the report explained.
According to Boeing, approval of the said fuel will decrease carbon emissions from airliners but will not increase expenses for operators. At present, a gallon of the diesel costs around $3, which is about the same price with that of jet fuel, the report noted.
The efficiency and reliability of the fuel is still being researched, but Boeing says it can be mixed with jet fuel. The aircraft maker also said it is coordinating with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and other partners in the industry to gain approval for the biodiesel, the report added.
Global carbon emission is at 2% today, but is expected to increase to 3% by 2050. The present production capacity of green diesel could power up to 1% of annual commercial flights. However, if Boeing succeeds in certifying the fuel, production capacity could go up to an even higher number, VentureBeat reported.
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