Egypt produces jet biofuel from jatropha

With an aim to cut aviation emissions, a research team in Egypt has developed an aviation fuel from jatropha — a plant grown in the desert — using sewage water. This is good news, if only the cost for the biofuel isn't prohibitive.

Researchers at Egypt’s National Research Centre have produced a biofuel suitable for aeroplanes after successful semi-industrial experiments conducted last December.

The centre was officially commissioned by the Egyptian Ministry of Civil Aviation to find a local biofuel to power aircrafts. This was to support the implementation of the International Air Transport Association plan, aiming to halve carbon dioxide emissions caused by aviation companies by 2050.