What are Biofuels?

A Biofuel is any solid, liquid or gas fuel made from organic matter. Common examples of biofuels are wood, vegetable oil, sugar cane and organic waste. Many more are in use and still being discovered. First generation - the most common biofuels are bioethanol, from crops rich in starch and sugar, and biodiesel from plants rich in oil. By using plants, the effect of greenhouse gases is lowered not only from the biofuels not producing as much carbon when combusted, or in some cases no carbon is emitted, but also absorbing carbon whilst growing. Second generation - fuels for the future for longer more sustainable use. Research is being focussed on better harnessing waste products such as sawdust, food and garden waste to increase overall energy yield.

What role could biofuels play in aviation?

Biofuel can be used in aviation by mixing it with jet fuel. Conversion of this particular kind of biomass is attractive and even more so if biomass which is otherwise regarded as waste can be used as the substrate. A range of different biofuels have been tested in flight and currently scientists and researchers are waiting to take the next step. Research teams have been looking especially close at the sustainability of aviation biofuel and have come to the conclusion that second generation biofuel has not only the right properties for flight but also is sustainable. Therefore biofuel could be used for flights all around the world.

What progress have airlines made with the use of Biofuels?

Virgin Atlantic was the first airline to use first generation biofuel, which was made from babassu and coconut oil in a mixture with kerosene. The carrier plans to use fuel from waste gases from steel mills. Finnair operated the longest commercial biofuel flight anywhere in the world to date. Air France claimed the world's greenest flight combining biofuel and air-traffic management technology. Porter Airlines, in April this year, announced that they successfully conducted the first biofuel-powered revenue flight in Canada. In the test, the airline flew one of its Bombardier Q400 turboprops from its base at Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport to Ottawa. According to the news released by the airline on the 17th April, the biofuel, derived from oilseed crops, were mixed in a blend with Jet A1 fuel to power one of the airline's engines