Solazyme produces the first ASTM spec aviation kerosene from algae

In California, Solazyme announced that they have produced the first algae-based aviation kerosene, and that the fuel has passed the 11 tests to meet the ASTM D1655 jet fuel standard, according to a fuel report by the Southwest Research Association. Solazyme uses a “dark process” to produce algae, feeding sugar and other nutrients to algae in the dark, which the company says produces algae more consistently and profitably than using photobioreactors or open pond raceways.

The search for algae-based aviation biofuels has occupied the interest of companies such as UOP Honeywell and Sustainable Power. The announcement comes as the EU is is preparing, according to observers, to require airlines flying into or out of the EU to joining the emissions trading scheme. Other observers say that the initial EU mandate for airlines, expected to take effect in 2011, may affect only those airlines based in the EU. Scientific American is reporting that Boeing would require only 1,000 gallons to conduct an engine test; however, Solazyme has faced consistent problems with producing to scale because of a lack of production equipment.

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