Sustainable fuels group founded

Some of the world's largest airlines, together accounting for around 15% of commercial jet fuel use, have established the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group to drive greater sustainability in their fuel supply chains.

The group hopes that more effective biofuels will not only lower harmful emissions but also reduce the sector's vulnerability to oil price changes and dependence on fossil fuels.

All group members, which include Cargolux, Air France/KLM, All Nippon Airways, Gulf Air, SAS, Air New Zealand and Virgin Atlantic, must pledge that any sustainable biofuel must perform as well, or better, than convential kerosene-based fuel, while having a smaller carbon lifecycle.

Two research projects have already been announced, such as the first comprehensive assessment of a particular species of algae, to include lifecycle CO₂ emissions and the socio-economic effects on farmers in developing countries.

"This taskforce comes at just the right time to help airlines cut costs and decrease their greenhouse gas emissions," said Liz Barratt-Brown, senior attorney of the Natural Resources Defense Council, which has provided support to the group.

"If done right, sustainable biofuels could lower the airlines' carbon footprint at a time when all industries need to be moving away from fuels with high levels of global warming pollution, especially high carbon tar sands and liquid coal."

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