United Airlines to fly on household waste

United Airlines invested USD 30 million in US-based alternative fuels developer Fulcrum BioEnergy, which converts municipal solid waste into sustainable aviation biofuel. It is the single largest investment by a US airline in alternative fuels.

The investment allows United to purchase over 340 million litres of sustainable aviation biofuel a year at a price that is competitive with conventional jet fuel. The two companies have also entered into an agreement to look into the possibility of jointly developing up to five projects located near United hubs that would have the potential to produce around 680 million litres of fuel per year.

Fulcrum’s technology converts household trash into renewable jet fuel. Compared to conventional jet fuel, Fulcrum’s renewable jet fuel provides a more than 80 per cent reduction in lifecycle carbon emissions. Household trash, also know as municipal solid waste, is an attractive biofuel feedstock because it is low in cost, has a virtually unlimited supply and even diverts waste from landfills.

This investment marks the first time a US airline has invested in a biofuel company. United has a track record of experimenting with aviation biofuels dating back to 2009 when it became the first North American carrier to perform a two-engine aircraft demonstration using sustainable biofuels.

 

Photo credit: © United Airlines

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