Overview

Why biofuels?
Extracting and burning fossil fuels increases the amount of CO 2 in the atmosphere. Biofuels are the only fuel type where the source (a plant) absorbs CO2 from the atmosphere, helping to offset the emissions produced when they are consumed, and moving us closer to carbon neutrality. Are all biofuels equal?
Not at all. Many people are familiar with ethanol and biodiesel, biofuels primarily derived from corn and soybeans at present. Yet corn and soybeans are staple food crops and require large amounts of land and resources. This makes them unsustainable sources for biofuel. Sustainable biofuels don't compete with food sources: they require minimal land, water and energy to produce, and they provide economic value to the communities where they're grown. Which sustainable biofuels appear most promising?
It's unlikely that the demand for alternative fuels will be met by a single biofuel plant source, which makes a portfolio of solutions the best approach. Within this portfolio, examples of promising plant sources that meet the criteria for sustainability include algae, halophytes and other saline grasses, jatropha and non-food cellulose. Why is Boeing so interested in sustainable biofuels?
The obvious: sustainable biofuels represent a major opportunity for reducing global aviation's greenhouse gas emissions. And fuel is one of the largest costs for airlines and their passengers. The not-so-obvious: New processing methods can create sustainable biofuels that perform better than petroleum-based fuels. Also, global aviation is uniquely positioned to pioneer sustainable biofuels. Compared to hundreds of millions of cars worldwide and the vast infrastructure serving them, commercial aviation is comprised of fewer than 20,000 aircraft and only a few hundred airport fueling stations. Our smaller scale and less complex infrastructure put us in a position to make big changes that make a real difference to the global environment and local economies. What is Boeing doing right now to advance sustainable biofuels?
1) We're evaluating potential plant sources and processing methods to develop fuels that meet performance requirements for current and future airplanes.
2) We're working with customers to develop viable supply models for using sustainable biofuels in their fleets.
3) We're collaborating with airlines, engine companies and fuel suppliers to demonstrate and certify the technical capabilities of sustainable biofuels.
4) We're in dialogue with policymakers and organizations to advance the socioeconomic and environmental benefits of sustainable biofuels.