Embraer and GE successfully conclude bio-jet fuel tests; potential to explore higher blend levels
06 September 2011
Embraer and GE held a series of test flights this week, with an Embraer 170 jet flying from the Company’s Gavião Peixoto facilities. The purpose of the tests was to benchmark the operational characteristics of the airplane and its GE CF34-8E engines when powered by HEFA (Hydro-processed Esters and Fatty Acids) fuel (bio-jet) under a broad range of unique flight conditions. The flights involved powering one of the two GE engines with the maximum ASTM permissible mix of 50% HEFA (derived from camelina) with Jet-A.
Following the recent approval of biomass-based HEFA fuels by ASTM, Embraer and GE have stepped up their efforts with the objective of supporting the development of a broader range of sustainable biofuels for aviation. With these tests, both companies confirmed that technical plans and procedures for future fuels testing are robust, enabling value-added and timely testing of additional fuels.
The series of flights in August 2011 set the stage for further biofuel development programs that Embraer and GE will undertake with fuel produced from additional feedstocks and production pathways under consideration by the industry. These fuels are currently under study by fuel providers worldwide, including many in Brazil.
Embraer and GE plan to engage in future biofuel testing and ASTM substantiation activities. This could encompass a broad range of pursuits, from testing of additional fuel production pathways and feedstocks, to potentially increasing HEFA blend levels. These flights have also demonstrated that the aircraft and engine manufacturers are also interested in limiting net carbon emissions from their ongoing product development activities, and in working with producers to establish early production demand for the benefit of the entire aviation enterprise.
—Laurent Rouaud, Chief Marketing Office, GE Aviation
The evolution of bio-jet fuels of various kinds presages the curtailment of heavy lift petroleum use. As electrification slowly replaces ICE, the last major use for petroleum fuels is trucking diesel and aerospace. These bio-jet fuel tests are proving at least 50% of our consumption of jet fuel can be replaced with sustainable biofuel. An enormous WIN for enviros and Energy Independence. Keep at it!
Having flown on one of the Embraer small jets, it's good to see their forward thinking in lowering costs and enviro-responsibility.
Posted by: Reel$$ | 06 September 2011 at 01:04 PM