U.S. Air Force Looking to Alternative Fuels

airforce1024x768 The United States Air Force is looking at alternative fuels as a way of reducing CO2 emissions and their dependency on foreign oil.

"By early 2011, the U.S. Air Force aims to make sure its entire fleet of bombers, fighters, transports and other aircraft can use a domestically produced 50-50 blend of synthetic and petroleum-based fuel."

The fuel in question is a fuel derived from coal. While scientists say that coal produces more CO2, its properties allow its emissions to be captured and recycled. The technology is not here yet but the Pentagon is confident they can make the transition happen in the next few years.

With the U.S. Air Force consuming 2.6 billion gallons of aviation fuel in 2006, (at a cost of more than $5.7 billion) any price rise, ever so small, raises the budget spending significantly. But we're not talking about a small price rise. Since the war in Iraq, the cost for fuel has risen by 100% in most countries.

If there was ever a time to consider using alternative modes of transportation now is the time. Reduce your dependency on your vehicle. No matter how new it might be, vehicles are an unreliable mode of transportation (anything can happen on the road). Live close to work and shopping areas, or, live in area where public transportation is established. The less we have to rely on gas prices the better.

Source: ENN

Tags: air force news, coal fuel, jet fuel coal, synthetic fuel, air force alternative fuel

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Lauren said:

It's amazing that the U.S. is doing that much. It's so hard to get them to do anything environmentally friendly.

Posted at 11:41 AM, on October 30 2007

U.S. Air Force Looking to Alternative Fuels

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