Science & Technology
Planes of the future could run off sawdust
By
T.K. RandallSeptember 20, 2012 ·
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 |
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