Researchers from the University of California have identified a new bio-fuel which could get planes off the ground – and it’s made from sugarcane. Read more on this on our blog at: http://blog.worldweatheronline.com/2015/06/26/sugarcane-biofuel-planes-cut-greenhouse-gases/

1. www.worldweatheronline.com
Sugarcane biofuel for planes could cut greenouse gases

2. www.worldweatheronline.com
While flying may be one of the quickest methods
of transport, the planet definitely experiences an
environmental impact.
However researchers from the University of
California have identified a new biofuel which
could get planes off the ground – and it’s made
from sugarcane.
What’s this about?

3. www.worldweatheronline.com
Sweet sugarcane biofuel
• Findings published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences detail
how sugarcane mixed with bagasse could produce aviation fuel, which would
deliver substantial cuts to greenhouse emissions. The sugarcane could be grown
on marginal land which would not disrupt food production.
• There are strict regulations surrounding aviation fuel; firstly, there cannot be any
oxygen content as this decreases the energy density and as space on an aircraft is
restricted, you want as much energy from burnable fuel as possible.
• The fuel must have a correct boiling point distribution and have properties called
lubricity, preventing excessive wear of turbines.
• Finally it has to a very low pour point as temperatures around the aircraft can drop
to -50C inflight.

4. www.worldweatheronline.com
What is the environmental cost of flying?
• Did you know that approximately 8 million
people fly every day – and that number will
only continue to grow?
• In 2012, 2% of all human related carbon
emissions resulted from plane emissions.
• In February 2009, the first commercial flight
party fuelled by biofuel departed from
London’s Heathrow airport.

5. www.worldweatheronline.com
Is biofuel the future?
Professor Bell from the research team has admitted
the findings won’t be immediately adopted by
commercial airlines and aviation fuel producers.
He revealed:
‘Our sponsors, BP, have encouraged us to apply for a
patent, which we have, on this technology.’

6. www.worldweatheronline.com
To find out more about why not read the whole
article, click the link below:
Sugarcane biofuel for planes could cut
greenhouse gas