The Energy and Environmental Research Centre (EERC) at the University of North Dakota in partnership with the U.S. Department of Defence’s Defence Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) have been awarded the “Best of What’s New Award” from Popular Science for developing a 100% renewable jet fuel.
After undergoing a variety of tests at the Wright Patterson Air force Base in Dayton Ohio, EERC’s fuel meets all the screening criteria for jet propellant – 8 (JP-8) avaiation fuel, a petroleum based fuel widely used by the U.S. Military.
Created from 100% renewable crops such as canola and soybean, the new fuel offers siginficant advantages as it can be tailored to meet a wide varitey of mission specifice requirement.
Earlier in 2009, this fuel was successfully tested when it powered a rocket in the Mojave Desert. The fuel burn was so successful that the rocket approached Mach 1 (the speed of sound) and reach an altitude of approximately 20,000 feet.
“This is our favourite editorial project” said Popular Science Editor-in-Cheif Mark Jannot in a recent interview. “We get to comb through thousands of new products and techonologies then reconize the most outstanding” he added.
“Best of What’s New” recognizes outstanding innovation, vision and execution of revolutionary products and technologies from companies, universities, laboratories and government agencies.
“We are truly honored and excited” said EERC Director Gerald Groenewold in a recent interview. This is a tremendous example of the type of practical, cutting edge techonoloiges the EERC is commercializing on a continuing basis” he added.
The EERC is the first enterprise globally to produce 100% renewable jet fuel and diesel from crop oils through its Advanced Tactical Fuels Program, with support from government and private entities. The EERC is working with several commercial entities to commercialize the technology, which would produce billions of dollars worth of alternative fuels annually.
