Jet Fuel from Bio-Diesel

This SBIR Phase II project addresses the pressing need to develop technologies to produce all types of transportation fuels from renewable sources. Specifically, the goal of this project is to create a complete, sustainable, and cost-effective technology that converts algae into conventional jet fuel at a sufficiently low cost as to be competitive with fossil-derived fuels. The proposed technology converts raw, low-cost algae into aviation fuel that meets or exceeds all current performance specifications. This project applies completely new chemistry with environmentally benign engineered catalysts that allows conversion of both triglycerides and free fatty acids found in algal oil into long-chain branched paraffins that are ideal traditional jet fuel components. Phase I of this project successfully demonstrated some of the key chemical reactions involved in the transformation of triglyceride oil to jet fuel. Phase II will focus on developing and optimizing the remaining key steps in the process and preparing the process for large-scale piloting and commercialization. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: The proposed process is designed to be competitive with existing jet fuels made from petroleum both in terms of performance and price. No modifications to the turbine engines or the infrastructure are required to use this product. Airlines will benefit from low, stable fuel prices and society benefits from reduced pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. This technology allows a fundamental shift away from reliance on imported oil for vital civilian and military aviation needs.