Air Force to test synthetic jet fuel

LOS ANGELES, Feb. 2 (UPI) -- The U.S. Air Force has contracted Rentech Inc. to deliver its synthetic fuel for turbine engine performance and emissions testing.

California-based Rentech says it will deliver its patented RenJet synthetic fuel to the Air Force under the announced contract. The Air Force will test the RenJet fuel and measure its performance capabilities in turbine engines.

Officials say the Air Force is the Department of Defense's largest consumer of fuel. Air Force researchers have been working to reduce fuel costs for the department while still meeting rigorous performance requirements needed for turbine engines.

Rentech says its RenJet fuel, a biodegradable and cleaner-burning alternative to traditional petroleum-based fuel, is designed to offer greater fuel conservation for the Air Force.

"The Air Force's purchase of our fuels after preliminary testing is an important milestone for the company," Richard Penning, Rentech executive vice president of technology and commercial affairs, said in a statement.

"This represents the first sale of our synthetic jet fuel. RenJet fuels are being tested by the United States Air Force as part of the Air Force's program for securing domestic energy suppliers of alternate fuels."