Eco-Aviation Channel

JAL to test new biofuel

Eco-Aviation Today, January 12, 2009, p.5

Japan Airlines will conduct a test flight using biofuel refined from the energy crop camellina on Jan. 30. A blend of 50% biofuel and 50% Jet-A will be tested in one of the four Pratt & Whitney JT9Ds on a JAL-owned 747-300. The approximately 1-hr. demo flight out of Tokyo Haneda will be operated by JAL crew and will be the final stage in a 12-month project. The biofuel component will be a cocktail of three second-generation feedstocks: Camellina (84%), jatropha (under 16%) and algae (under 1%).

Camellina, also known as gold-of-pleasure or false flax, is an energy crop given its high oil content and ability to grow in rotation with wheat and other cereal crops. It is grown mostly in more moderate climates such as the US and originally hails from northern Europe and central Asia. It can be grown even in dry areas, poor soils and at high altitudes.

The camellina to be used was sourced by Sustainable Oils Inc., a US-based provider of renewable and high-value camellina-based fuels. Terasol Energy sourced and provided the jatropha oil and the algae oil was provided by Sapphire Energy.

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