Hope Unlooked For
Posted by Phoenix Woman on July 10, 2007
Good news can sometimes be found where it’s least expected. From Meatingplace, a trade newsletter for the meat industry (free sub. required):
Syntroleum Corp. said it signed a contact to deliver 500 gallons of synthetic jet fuel to the Department of Defense made entirely from fats supplied by Springdale, Ark.-based Tyson Foods Inc.
[...]
The U.S. Air Force wants to source 50 percent of its fuel needs from domestic alternative sources by 2016, and plans to certify its entire fleet of aircraft for alternative fuel use by 2020, Syntroleum said in a statement.
Even better: Tests done in September 2006 and previously show that the biofuel performs better than traditional jet fuel, with fewer particulates produced:
Syntroleum’s jet fuel has shown superior performance characteristics compared to traditional aviation fuels. Prior testing by the military on the company’s FT fuels have shown a reduction in particulate matter and soot emissions of greater than 90% depending upon the turbine engine type compared to aviation fuels produced by refining crude oil.
The reduced particulate matter and soot emissions significantly improve engine efficiency, performance and overall air quality. In addition to the company’s work with the DOD, Syntroleum’s technology and FT products have been successfully tested in several government programs through the US Department of Energy’s ultra clean fuels program and with academic research institutions and auto manufacturers. One of the shuttle buses used at Edwards Air Force Base is running Syntroleum’s diesel fuel as part of an ongoing road test.
Car companies, are you paying attention?
3 Responses to “Hope Unlooked For”
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MEC said
Not just car companies — the airlines need this, too.
Phoenix Woman said
Yes, indeed.
KathyF said
They’ve talked about selling this at the pump here, too, and that’s the day I’ll start walking. I try my darndest to avoid all animal products for ethical and environmental reasons, and that includes animal fat in my gas tank.