Thursday, March 28, 2024
Contact    |    RSS icon Twitter icon Facebook icon  
Unexplained Mysteries
You are viewing: Home > News > Science & Technology > News story
Welcome Guest ( Login or Register )  
All ▾
Search Submit

Science & Technology

Planes of the future could run off sawdust

By T.K. Randall
September 20, 2012 · Comment icon 13 comments

Image Credit: CC 3.0 LoneStarMike
Scientists in France are investigating cleaner alternatives to kerosene fuel as part of a new project.
Co-financed by a government economic stimulus program, the 'ProBio3' project is aiming to use traditional horse-bedding materials in a fuel mixture that could one day improve the efficiency of kerosene in airplanes. The move would not only help to save money but would also reduce pollution at a time where environmental friendliness is a key priority.

"Tomorrow, planes will fly using agricultural and forest waste," said professor Carole Molina-Jouve. "We already know how to set up a basic production line but we must move towards an industrial line. We need to translate what is done in laboratories to the real environment while improving its profitability and efficiency."
Industrial or farm waste is broken down into sugars through enzymes, then mixed with microorganisms such as yeast, and transformed into lipids through the chemical process of fermentation.


Source: Reuters | Comments (13)




Other news and articles
Recent comments on this story
Comment icon #4 Posted by WelshRed 12 years ago
the future is...Algae
Comment icon #5 Posted by sergeantflynn 12 years ago
Where there`s muck there`s money . Farmers will control the price . Government will control the tax . Poor old soul buying the ticket will bear the brunt .
Comment icon #6 Posted by Setton 12 years ago
the future is...Algae If you've got a spare continent to devote to growing it, sure...
Comment icon #7 Posted by Idano 12 years ago
Solent Green isn't people?
Comment icon #8 Posted by Junior Chubb 12 years ago
Planes Of The Future Could Fly On Sawdust My Carpentry Plane created saw dust today, the circle is now complete...
Comment icon #9 Posted by Khaleid 12 years ago
I wonder if there's enough waste sawdust and straw to satisfy the amount needed for production of all that biofuel? If not, then this could lead to accelerated deforestation, which we don't need. Don't get me wrong, It's good that they're putting an effort in cleaner and more efficient fuels, but they need to make sure they account for the whole picture.
Comment icon #10 Posted by Odds 12 years ago
Sounds good to me, maybe they can come clean the building sites i work on so i don't have to end up sweeping the saw dust up every day. Everyone wins!
Comment icon #11 Posted by ~C.S.M~ 12 years ago
If you've got a spare continent to devote to growing it, sure... well we could use desert areas for algae plantations....
Comment icon #12 Posted by Setton 12 years ago
well we could use desert areas for algae plantations.... And how are you keeping them supplied with water?
Comment icon #13 Posted by JamesThomas 12 years ago
Rather than in the air...you mean? I guess the Spruce Goose would be right at home.


Please Login or Register to post a comment.


Our new book is out now!
Book cover

The Unexplained Mysteries
Book of Weird News

 AVAILABLE NOW 

Take a walk on the weird side with this compilation of some of the weirdest stories ever to grace the pages of a newspaper.

Click here to learn more

We need your help!
Patreon logo

Support us on Patreon

 BONUS CONTENT 

For less than the cost of a cup of coffee, you can gain access to a wide range of exclusive perks including our popular 'Lost Ghost Stories' series.

Click here to learn more

Top 10 trending mysteries
Recent news and articles