BA and Rolls-Royce test alternative fuels

An extensive scientific test programme to evaluate the commercial and practical suitability of alternative fuels for the aviation industry has been launched by BA and Rolls-Royce.

The two companies intend to investigate if there is a genuine alternative to kerosene that could greatly reduce the environmental impact of the aviation industry.

During a tender process, alternative fuel suppliers will be invited to provide samples that can be tested on a Rolls-Royce RB211 engine that comes from a British Airways Boeing 747.

The exercise will be conducted at an in-house Rolls-Royce test facility in Derby in a controlled environment to monitor emissions and performance.

From this process, four fuels will be selected for further testing in the laboratory with the view to 60,000 litres of each being delivered from the companies to Rolls-Royce in the New Year.

The next stage will be live engine tests of the fuels in comparison to kerosene, including all stages of engine performance from idle to acceleration.

Ric Parker, Rolls-Royce director of research and technology, indicated the key criteria for selecting alternative fuels are "suitability, sustainability and industrial capability".

"It is critical that the fuel can not only do the job required of it, but can also offer a CO2 benefit and be produced without a detrimental impact to food, land or water."

"There must also be clear evidence of the potential for mass production and global distribution of an alternative fuel to support the world's aviation industry," he added.

It is hoped that all testing will be completed by November 2009 in which BA and Rolls-Royce will evaluate the results.

Airline News posted on 22 July 2008

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