HONOLULU, Nov. 14 (UPI) -- Boeing and Hawai'i BioEnergy will work together to identify biofuel sources and supporting technologies for producing sustainable jet fuel in Hawaii.
Under a collaborative agreement, the companies will look at various crops, including sorghum and eucalyptus, as potential sources that can be grown locally and converted to jet fuel.
The collaboration will also look to assess new supporting technologies for aviation biofuel production.
"As an Asia Pacific gateway and leading tourism destination, Hawaii can play a meaningful role in helping aviation reduce carbon emissions, while increasing regional energy resources," said Billy Glover, Boeing Commercial Airplanes vice president of environment and aviation policy. "This collaborative effort will allow us to examine potential local options, while protecting the beauty and culture these islands have to offer."
Hawai'i BioEnergy, which is at the forefront of the development of a biofuels industry in Hawaii, is a leading renewable energy supplier to the Hawaiian Electric Co. and well-positioned to co-lead the local aviation biofuel effort.
"We are looking forward to working with Boeing in addressing Hawaii's energy needs, particularly for aviation fuel," said Hawai'i BioEnergy's Chief Operating Officer Joel Matsunaga. "We have the opportunity to shape a more sustainable energy future for our children and generations to come in Hawaii while creating economic growth for the state."
