Washington State to push for biomass-derived jet fuels

January 14, 2011

Washington State’s Commissioner of Public Lands Peter Goldmark has announced plans for legislation to take forward the state’s efforts to make use of biomass resources to generate renewable energy.

The proposals would mean the next step for a Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) forest biomass pilot project, leading to the production of jet fuel from wood waste.

The proposed legislation would allow the DNR to create a pilot program to generate aviation biofuel from wood waste and mill residue.

The bill will also convene a stakeholder group to develop a strategy for moving a sustainable biofuel industry forward.

Speaking at the Pacific West Biomass Conference in Seattle, Mr Goldmark said aviation biofuel meant a renewable, locally grown energy source could be produced “combining Washington’s forestry heritage and our technology future”.

Mr Goldmark said: “The Forest Biomass Initiative has a unique opportunity to help new, efficient technologies get to the marketplace in a pragmatic and sustainable way. Finding a higher use for residual forest biomass will help maintain our working lands that provide so many other benefits to the public, like habitat and clean water.”

Boeing, Port of Seattle and Washington State Department of Commerce are supportive of the effort which was borne out of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Northwest network, a diverse coalition of business, environmental and government entities who developed recommendations to create an aviation biofuel industry.

“The aviation community is driven to find new and sustainable sources of fuel that can help meet growing demand while reducing greenhouse gas emissions and biomass offers significant opportunity,” said Jim Rekoske, vice president and general manager of renewable energy and chemicals for UOP, a Honeywell company.

“The technology to convert this abundant resource into high-quality, drop-in biofuels is viable. It is this type of commitment that will help us make it a commercial reality,” added Mr Rekoske.

“Forest biomass represents an incredible opportunity to heat our homes, power our cities and fight climate change,” said Governor Chris Gregoire. “Thanks to the hard work, groundbreaking research and leadership of so many, including Commissioner of Public Lands Goldmark, forest biomass may now fuel our airplanes. The opportunity to combine our cutting-edge aviation industry with the growing clean-energy industry will help create local jobs and show the world that we will continue to be a leader in the global economy.”

“We see this as move in the right direction, aligning Washington’s public and private sector that are emerging world leaders in this new sector,” said Dr. John Gardner, PhD., Washington State University Vice President of Advancement. “Washington State University stands ready to provide the critical research and development, as well as bring our broad network together already working on sustainable, next generation biofuels.”