In the world of green travel, scientists from the University of Wisconsin Madison made a unique discovery in the development of greener jet fuel. The innovation is through a brand new process that converts a biomass derivative to a chemical equivalent of jet fuel – but saves a lot more energy.
What is it?
The biomass derivative is called gamma-valerolactone (or GVL), and it’s a plant-based material. When it degrades into its sugar stage, GVL converts into levulinic and formic acid. Because it degrades so quickly, most scientists have had trouble working with it consistently.
What’s different now?
Instead of taking the old approach of working with GVL in its early stages, scientist Jim Dumesic decided to work with it at its already-degraded stage, eliminating the problem of transformation.
What’s the point?
While passengers won’t notice a change in their flights, it is important to find an efficient, environmentally responsive process to convert the materials. Dumesic has created a way to make jet fuel that preserves approximately 95 percent of the energy from the original biomass. It requires much less hydrogen input, and secures the carbon dioxide (CO2) under a higher pressure so it can be used for the future.
What’s next?
Dumesic says his next challenge is to encourage the production of the compound for regular use.
For more information on eco-travel news, read the Green Travel section of our blog.
