Airplanes may run on eco-friendly algae-based kerosene

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A major air carrier is going to test airplanes that run on algae-based kerosene, which promises to be eco-friendly.

According to a report in ENN (Environmental News Network), the fuel is being developed by KLM, in a pilot program with AlgaeLink, a Netherlands-based global manufacturer of algae growing equipment and "earth-to-engine" technology.

KLM hopes to have 12 of their Fokker-50 planes (7% of their air fleet) running on the fuel by 2010, with the eventual goal of running their entire fleet of airplanes on fuel made from algae.

The cost of fuel is an increasing burden on the bottom line for airlines all over the world. In 2012 airlines in Europe will be required to pay for their CO2 emissions.

At 100 dollars a barrel, algae are touted to become not only the carbon neutral choice, but the most cost effective one as well.

Other airlines looking into algae as a potential fuel source include JetBlue who, in partnership with Honeywell, Airbus, and International Aero Engines, are developing plans to develop fuels using vegetation and algae-based oils that do not compete with existing food production or water resources.