ENN and Airbus, EADS entered collaborations on microalgae based aviation fuels
ENN November 15, 2012
Minsheng General Manager of ENN Biomass Energy Technology Center sign a tri-party agreement.
NOVEMBER 14, ZHUHAI: ENN and EADS (parent company of Airbus- a leading European aircraft manufacturer) Innovation Works signed a Memorandum of Understanding on microalgae based aviation fuels at the China International Air Show in Zhuhai, Guangdong province. The partners are aiming at exploring innovative pathways for alternative aviation fuels. The scope of the collaboration includes technical qualification of aviation fuels based on algae oil and the promotion of their use for aviation in China.
“Microalgae are considered to be one of the promising pathways for the production of biofuels for Aviation” says Jean Botti, Chief Technical Officer of EADS, who is attending China International Air Show in Zhuhai. “We have already proved that it is technically possible to fly with algae oil. Now we need to demonstrate that the industrial production of algae based biofuel is both ecologically and economically viable.”
“We believe the research achievements on microalgae based aviation fuels would take significant positive impact on accelerating the saving and conservation work and climate change combat of the aviation sector in China.” says Dr. Gan Zhongxue, Chief Technical Officer of ENN about the partnership.
Data from ENN Biomass Energy Technology Center shows: The cultivation of each unit of microalgae consumes double units of carbon dioxides. They reproduce rapidly, one generation taking no more than two weeks while common oil-bearing crops, corn and soybean for example need several months long. Microalgae also produce considerably amounts of bio oil per cultivation area, from example: a hectare of microalgae could process 15,000 to 80,000 liters bio oil which at least is a hundred times more than corn with 120 liters oil refined.
Set up in 2007, ENN Biomass Energy Technology Center has been focused on the research of “CO2-Microalgae-Biodiesel” technology which was selected one of high-tech research programs under National 863 Program in 2009 and passed the acceptance check by Ministry of Science and Technology this September.
After two years’ trial since 2010, ENN has recently established a 5,000 Tons Microalgae-Biodiesel Demonstration Project in Inner Mongolia for recycling use of CO2 from coal-fired power plants and chemical plants as well as bio energy production. Up to now, ENN has already achieved 70 technologies with proprietary intellectual property rights in the fields of biomass energy, such as light bio-reactor and bio diesel production.
“We are privileged to be working with ENN to determine how best we can contribute to a sustainable aviation sector in China” said Frédéric Eychenne, Airbus New Energies Programme Manager.
Airbus, as a world-known aircraft manufacturer, plays an important role in verifying aviation fuel standards in Europe and America. This collaboration proves in certain aspect that ENN’s microalgae based biofuels have large potential to meet the extremely strict aviation fuel standards in Europe and will no doubt bring rich practical experience for its commercialization.
About EADS
EADS (European Aeronautic Defense and Space Company) is a global leader in aerospace, defence and related services. In 2011, the Group – comprising Airbus, Astrium, Cassidian and Eurocopter – generated revenues of € 49.1 billion and employed a workforce of over 133,000.
www.eads.com