Green

Study shows the way to sustainable aviation biofuels

By Seattle Business Magazine May 26, 2011

Sustainable Aviation Fuels Northwest (SAFN), a consortium of researchers and leaders in aviation, concluded 10 months of study Wednesday with an announcement detailing the infrastructure, resources and policy requirements necessary to turn the Pacific Northwest into a production hub for aviation biofuels.

More than 40 stakeholders were involved in the SAFN study, representing the bulk of fuel demand for commercial and military aircraft in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. That demand is expected to reach 1 billion gallons per year by 2030.

The study, the first of its kind, recommends using a portfolio of regionally available sources and an integrated supply chain to provide biofuel to Northwest airports. Jay Manning, Gov. Christine Gregoires chief of staff, called the project one of the most exciting he can think of with regard to creating jobs in the region. Speakers, including Alaska Airlines CEO Bill Ayers and Washington State University Vice President of Advancement and External Affairs John Gardner, emphasized the need for partnerships and collaboration in this effort, which they hope will replace 1 percent of Northwest aviation fuel with biofuel in the next five years. Aviation has the power to be a real ambassador for a bioeconomy, Gardner said.

According to a 2006 Port of Seattle report, airports generatd approximately 5 million metric tons of carbon-dioxide emissions that year. The SAFN report highlights the regions wealth of biomass resources (oilseeds, forest residues, solid waste and algae) and recommends that state legislators support the biofuel industry through tax incentives, supporting supply-chain infrastructure for aviation fuels, and targeted research.

It is critical to the future of aviation that we develop a sustainable supply of aviation biofuels, said Boeing Commercial Airplanes President and CEO Jim Albaugh. Airlines are particularly vulnerable to oil price volatility, and the aviation community must address this issue to maintain economic growth and further mitigate the environmental impacts of our industry.

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