Tuesday 1 November 2022

Rolls-Royce and Alder Fuels partner to test ‘greencrude’ aviation fuel

Rolls-Royce and Alder Fuels have partnered to further test sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) produced using the latter company's “greencrude” technology.

They have signed a memorandum of understanding for the testing, which will include flight tests on a Rolls-Royce Pearl engine, with the energy efficiency, emissions criteria and low carbon credentials evaluated.

Alder Fuels uses sustainable biomass such as regenerative grasses, forest residues and agricultural waste products to create low carbon Alder Greencrude (AGC) that can be converted into a drop-in SAF using existing bio and petroleum refinery infrastructure.

The process, which been developed in close partnership with the US Department of Energy's National Renewable Energy Laboratory, is said to achieve greenhouse gas reductions of more than 80% compared to fossil-based jet fuel.

Frank Moesta, SVP Strategy & Future Programmes – Business Aviation, Rolls-Royce, said: “The use of sustainable aviation fuel as a low-emission solution and its global commercial deployment are essential to the decarbonisation of medium to long-haul air travel. While we are also working on electrification, hybrid-electric and hydrogen technologies as long-term alternatives, rapid decarbonisation is within reach through this critical pathway.

“Through our partnership with Alder Fuels, we are taking the next steps on our journey to net zero and are committed supporters of the UN Race to Zero goal of 10% SAF use across aviation by 2030."