US military to run on 50:50 biofuels mix
1 April 2010

US president Barack Obama is introducing new energy policies that will see an increased use of advanced biofuels in the country’s military vehicles.

According to Obama these energy strategies will not only help protect the environment, but will also go towards protecting national security.

He said: ‘Our military leaders recognise the security imperative of increasing the use of alternative fuels, decreasing energy use, reducing reliance on imported oil and making ourselves more energy-efficient.’

Speaking at Andrews Air Force Base, Washington, US, the president called for 50% or more alternative fuels to be used in all Navy planes, vehicles and ships within the next decade.

The Green Hornet, a Navy F-18 fighter jet, is scheduled to fly on Earth Day and will be the first plane to fly faster than the speed of sound powered by a 50:50 biofuel blend.

A mixture of biofuels and ordinary fuels is also being tested in a tank from the Army and Marine Corps, while the Air Force is testing jet engines that run on biofuels. The first biofuel-powered flight took off last week and was a huge success.

According to Obama the Defence Department has invested $2.7 billion (€2 billion) this year alone to improve energy efficiency.

He added, ‘I know that we can come together to pass comprehensive energy and climate legislation that’s going to foster new energy – new industries, create millions of new jobs, protect our planet and help us become more energy independent.’

http://www.biofuels-news.com/industry_news.php?item_id=1936