"Algae and Jatropha feedstock cost is low" - UOP'S General Manager

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UOP general manager renewable energy and chemicals Jennifer Holmgren says UOP researchers were told they would never get the low freeze point, the high flash point or the high energy content needed for an aviation biofuel.But they have done just that using a process similar to one already used to produce conventional fuel and expect to license it mid this year.

Holmgren estimates the carbon footprint of a biofuel can be as little as 25 per cent of conventional fuels."The reason is very simple: the carbon dioxide emitted in use is completely recycled because it's picked up by the plants that are then grown to create the next wave of fuel."

Holmgren also believes the fuel will be cost-competitive with existing biofuel. "The fact is that more than 80 per cent of fuel cost is actually from the feedstock cost and that's why initiatives on the algae side and the jatropha side are so important because they are driving the cost of the feedstock down."

"We think we can get to large-scale commercial production by 2012, which I think is consistent with Air New Zealand's aspirations."

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