Headed by Tsukuba University professor emeritus and algae researcher Takaaki Maekawa, PhD, RITB recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with OriginOil to develop and distribute systems in Japan for aircraft fuel production, algae to oil production, and other industry applications.

RITB was recently approved for funding by Japan Science & Technology Agency (JST) for two years of research and development activities based on its proposal to the agency.

In the partners’ first joint action, OriginOil spoke at a recent invitation-only workshop at Tsukuba University, which was attended by RITB collaborators such as Japan Airlines (JAL) Aero-Consulting, IBDAIWA, Mitsubishi Chemicals, Dow Chemical, Dentsu Tech, Tsukuba Agricultural Cooperation, NPO Genki Agricultural Production Organization, Nagata Trade Company, Tosho Merchandise Corporation as well as representatives of Aomori Prefecture and Tsukuba City.

On 30 January, Japan Airlines made a successful biofuels flight test using a blend of camelina, algae, and jatropha; testing showed that the blend was more fuel-efficient than 100% traditional Jet A fuel (kerosene).

Resources

• Development of Aircraft Fuel from Algae (Dr. Takaaki Maekawa)