HANGZHOU, China, Oct. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA]
and Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (COMAC) today opened a demonstration
facility that will turn waste cooking oil, commonly referred to as
"gutter oil" in China, into
sustainable aviation biofuel. The two companies estimate that 500
million gallons (1.8 billion liters) of biofuel could be made
annually in China from used
cooking oil.
"Strong and continuing teamwork between Boeing and COMAC is
helping our industry make progress on environmental challenges that
no single company or country can solve alone," said Ian Thomas, President, Boeing China. "By working
together for mutual benefit, we're finding innovative ways to
support China's aviation industry
and build a sustainable future."
Boeing and COMAC are sponsoring the facility, which is called
the China-U.S. Aviation Biofuel Pilot Project. It will use a
technology developed by Hangzhou Energy & Engineering
Technology Co., Ltd. (HEET) to clean contaminants from waste oils
and convert it into jet fuel at a rate of 160 gallons (650 liters)
per day. The project's goal is to assess the technical feasibility
and cost of producing higher volumes of biofuel.
"We are very happy to see the progress that has been made in the
collaboration between Boeing and COMAC, especially the achievement
in aviation biofuel technology," said Dr. Guangqiu Wang, Vice
President of COMAC's Beijing Aeronautical Science & Technology
Research Institute. "We will continue to work with Boeing in energy
conservation and emissions reduction areas to promote the
sustainable development of the aviation industry."
Sustainably produced biofuel, which reduces carbon emissions by
50 to 80 percent compared to petroleum through its lifecycle, is
expected to play a key role in supporting aviation's growth while
meeting environmental goals. The Boeing Current Market Outlook has
forecast that China will require
more than 6,000 new airplanes by 2033 to meet fast-growing
passenger demand for domestic and international air travel.
Boeing and COMAC have been collaborating since 2012 to support
the growth of China's commercial
aviation industry. Their Boeing-COMAC Aviation Energy Conservation
and Emissions Reductions Technology Center in Beijing works with Chinese universities and
research institutions to expand knowledge in areas that improve
aviation's efficiency, such as aviation biofuel and air traffic
management.
Biofuel produced by the China-U.S. Aviation Biofuel Pilot
Project will meet international specifications approved in 2011 for
jet fuel made from plant oils and animal fats. This type of biofuel
has already been used for more than 1,600 commercial flights.
Contacts:
Yukui Wang
Boeing China Communications
+86 10 59055505
yukui.wang@boeing.com
Jessica Kowal
Environment Communications
Boeing Commercial Airplanes
+1 206-660-6849
jessica.m.kowal@boeing.com
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SOURCE Boeing