Rentech Expands Initiative to Produce Synthetic Jet Fuel from Garbage

March 12, 2008 – Vol. 12 No. 51

Rentech Expands Initiative to Produce Synthetic Jet Fuel from Garbage.

The production of biofuels from garbage, also known as municipal solid waste (MSW), using the Rentech Process could have a potentially carbon neutral or even carbon negative footprint while extending the life of existing landfills. These fuels are also cleaner burning and more efficient than petroleum-derived fuels, according to Rentech.

Rentech plans to pursue projects in large municipalities to convert garbage that otherwise would be buried at landfills into ultra-clean, biodegradable jet fuel, potentially meeting the needs of local airports and communities.

“We believe our technology’s ability to convert non-food feedstock such as MSW into biofuels provides the aviation industry with an excellent opportunity to reduce its carbon footprint. Large cities with busy airports and decreasing landfill space are ideal areas for us to offer this solution,” said Richard Penning, EVP of Commercial Affairs for Rentech.

Significant progress has been made toward the certification of synthetic fuels for aviation use. Virgin Airlines successfully demonstrated the use of biofuels derived from coconut and Brazilian babassu nuts in a commercial airliner during a recent test flight from London to Amsterdam. The U.S. Air Force has certified blended synthetic fuels for its fleet of B-52 bombers and continues the certification process for additional aircraft. And, the FAA plans to certify blended synthetic fuels for commercial aircraft this year and the use of pure synthetic fuels in 2010.

Rentech has developed and patented the Rentech Process which transforms under-utilized domestic energy resources into valuable and clean alternative fuels and chemicals. These energy resources include coal, petroleum coke, biomass and municipal solid waste. (3/11/08)

Links:

Rentech
http://www.rentechinc.com

Virgin Atlantic: First Airline to Fly on Biofuel Blend.

Disclaimer, Forward-Looking or Safe Harbor Statement on original press release: Yes