This first successful flight of a military helicopter using a algae-based biofuel was conducted this week. A MH 60S Seahawk was flown on fuel dubbed Solajet HRJ-5 jet fuel, which is a 50/50 blend of Jet-A and algae-based fuels. The fuel was designed by Honeywell UOP and Solazyme in tandem with the US Navy and DLA-Energy. The concept is to just use the fuel in the vehicle without any modification to the engine. The demonstration went off without a hitch.
Solazyme CEO Jonathan Wolfsan said after the test, "We applaud ASTM International and the ATA and CAAFI for their efforts to advance the world’s newest and most sustainable fuels for aviation. The aviation industry has demonstrated a strong leadership position in fuel supply diversification and sustainability, and today’s announcement is a major step in its efforts to commercialize advanced low-carbon biofuels... and reinforces the Navy’s commitment to securing our nation’s energy supply."
A similar 50/50 blend was tested with additional success by the U.S. Air Force on a Globemaster III jet. The military, as a whole, pledges to use 50% renewable energy within ten years. Algae-based fuels are part of the second generation biofuels, and is indeed renewable. Additionally, the U.S. Departement of Energy estimates that to grow enough algae to replace petroleum as a fuel, in the USA, would require an area about 15,000 square miles (39,000 square km). About 0.42% of the US land mass, less than 1/7th of the area used to farm corn. The algae Biomass Organization also claims they can meet price parity with oil by 2018, only if tax credits are awarded. Algae-electric hybrids, anyone?
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