While Algae may not be the first thing you think of when you consider fuel sources to power an aircraft, this German research institution is doing just that. The future of aviation fuel has long been thought to be found in biofuels. Traditional aviation fuels, primarily derived from fossil fuels like kerosene, contribute significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Biofuels provide sustainable alternatives to this problem and Algae is taking center stage.
Algae-fueled aircrafts- how does it work?
While it may sound like something out of a science-fiction film, researchers at the German Jülich Research Center and RWTH Aachen University based in Aachen, Germany are testing and investigate the economical and ecological feasibility of bio jet fuels made from microalgae. The German Federal Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Consumer Protection has supported the initiative with funding amounting to 5.75 million euros.
Algae are fast-growing, renewable organisms that can be cultivated in various environments, including saltwater and wastewater. They have a high oil content, making them an ideal candidate for biofuel production. Algae can produce oils that are chemically similar to conventional kerosene, enabling them to serve as a direct replacement for fossil fuels in aviation. Hydrolysate separation allows the resultant product after boiling and breaking the cellular wall to be cut into a kerosene carbon structure.
The final fuel produced by the algae can power a Boeing 777X. Additionally, the algae also produces diesel during the kerosene transformation, meaning that it also has the potential to be used as an alternative fuel source in other transportation sectors. Unlike traditional crops used in biofuel production which require significant land and freshwater resources, algae can be grown in non-arable land and use minimal freshwater.
Sounds too good to be true?
Studies have shown that algae has the potential to be used across all commercial aircrafts and can be grown in a variety of conditions making it accessible to all countries around the globe. One potential problem with using algae has a fuel source however is its acidity content. This could, in the long-term, corrode pistons and damage the inner components of a conventional aircraft engine. This means an additional step of removing the acids from the algae will be needed which would increase production costs.
Using algae could cut more than 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions from the aviation sector and become affordable enough to replace the role of gasoline in the transportation sector. The project in Germany first began in 2013 and has continued in various forms looking at researching algae has a viable fuel source. The main disadvantage of using algae as a fuel source is that the process to convert it to viable fuel is significantly more expensive than other fuel sources.
Other challenges identified by researchers include include strain isolation, nutrient sourcing and utilization, production management, harvesting, coproduct development, fuel extraction, refining and residual biomass utilization. To make algae large-scale as a biofuel, it is going to take significant effort and capital to make it a viable alternative.
Challenges, but a possible energy source
While there are significant challenges to making algae as a biofuel for aviation, the dire state of needing to find alternative solutions to fossil fuels is enough of a reason to take action. While it may seem impossible, algae has potential to transform aircrafts. As technology advances and production scales up, the costs are expected to decrease, making algae fuels more competitive.
With its potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions and minimize environmental impacts, algae-derived kerosene could play a crucial role in the transition to greener air travel. As research and innovation continue to drive advancements in algae cultivation and fuel production, the need to have a more sustainable aviation future may soon become a reality.
