The next step in the race to find renewable energy sources
to power our global economy is sustainable aviation fuel, and one company has
taken a big first leap toward that goal: Northwest Advanced Bio-Fuels, LLC
(NWABF). In a recently announced $2 million partnership with a major airline,
NWABF is currently working on Phase 1 of a feasibility study to create that bio jet fuel from wood residue deposits and wood slash on forest floors known as
woody biomass.
Providing Solutions for Air Lines with West Coast Operations
With the Phase 1 “Advanced Planning Study” of a bio jet fuel production facility underway, NWABF is already planning for a Phase 2 Front-end
Engineering and Design Study that will allow the Project’s world-class
Engineering and Construction Partner to design and construct the renewable bio jet fuel facility in Washington State. First deliveries are planned for the end
of 2023 for use of the renewable jet fuel in this airline’s operations up and
down the West Coast.
This single project will help with the goal of reducing this
airline’s carbon footprint and positively impact the environment by reducing
wood residuals in forests that cause fire hazards and prevent the growth of
future trees.
A Growing Trend
Airlines today are interested in sustainable aviation
fuels. Beginning in 2021, airlines will
be required to track their carbon footprints on international flights in
advance of meeting certain obligations of a global mandate. Failure to achieve
reductions in airline carbon emissions through the use of renewable fuels may
result in fines and penalties from a multitude of countries.
Dave Smoot, Head of Northwest Advanced Bio-Fuels, LLC said,
“All of the woody biomass we utilize in our operations will be traceable,
creating the pathways of a qualified renewal feedstock. With qualified feedstock, supported by a
recently completed $40 million 5-year study from NARA (Northwest Advanced
Renewables Alliance), the Project can meet the Federal Government’s sustainable
aviation fuel standards and ASTM’s International fuel standards. This will enable airlines flying
internationally to meet new carbon reduction standards worldwide.”
The need for renewable fuel sources for airlines certainly
won’t be resolved in the near future, but a project like Northwest Advanced
Bio-Fuels LLC is developing will certainly go a long way to meet that need for
the airline industry now and well into the future.
To learn more about Northwest Advanced Bio-Fuels, LLC visit
our website today.