COMAC, Boeing launch biofuel centre
China’s state-owned planemaker COMAC and Boeing have opened a new biofuel research centre in China.
The Boeing-COMAC Aviation Energy Conservation & Emissions Reductions Technology Center will see the two aircraft manufacturers explore ways of refining waste cooking oil, often described in China as “gutter oil,” into aviation fuel.
The opening follows a major collaboration agreement between Boeing and COMAC, announced in March this year.
“Energy conservation emission reduction has currently become the hotspot and focus of the global aviation sector, and our collaboration with Boeing in this regard will have profound impacts in China as well as the world,” said Shi Jianzhong, Vice President of Shanghai-based COMAC. “Meanwhile, we wish to construct the new centre as a demonstrative advanced technology centre and to make contributions to the development of the aviation industry in China and world with the concerted efforts of both sides.”
“The new Boeing-COMAC Technology Center reflects our companies’ mutual commitment to make progress on industry challenges, such as the need to reduce carbon emissions. These industry issues cannot be solved by one company alone. What better way to address them than in partnership,” said Marc Allen, President of Boeing China. “Our work with COMAC continues what is now four decades of Boeing partnership with airlines, government agencies, suppliers and research institutions to support the development of China’s aviation industry.”
China consumes approximately 29 million tons of cooking oil every year, while its aviation system uses 20 million tons of jet fuel. Finding ways to convert discarded “gutter oil” into jetfuel could enhance regional biofuel supplies and improve biofuel’s affordability.