Are tree-powered jets on horizon?

In a word, probably. It means a new way of thinking about fuel — not unwelcome in a culture increasingly weary of dependence on foreign oil in troubled lands.

“Technically, the production of jet fuels from forest residuals is completely feasible. The technology is currently available,” said Ralph Cavalieri, a researcher at Washington State University and director of the Northwest Renewable and Alternative Energy Alliance. NARA is one of two regional grant projects at WSU and University of Idaho.

Trees, as foresters and timber industries so tirelessly repeat, are an easily renewable, sustainable resource. They’re also far less controversial, expensive, or troublesome to maintain, harvest, and replace than other fuel sources. And prettier.

Wood-powered jet fuel is on the next horizon. An agreement between NARA and Alaska Airlines to power a flight is currently set for spring 2016. United and Southwest Airlines have also signed commercial contracts for wood-to-biojet fuel.

NARA’s research uses forest residuals from softwood trees, i.e., pines and firs. Its hardwood counterpart, Advanced Hardwood Biofuel Northwest, includes a poplar stand in Hayden. Their mission is essentially the same: to study the scientific, economic, and social feasibility of converting wood to biofuel, or more specifically, jet fuel.

Yes, trees can power planes, and possibly cars in the not-so-distant future. They can also make glue, paints, cosmetics, plastics, and concrete, just to mention a few other items currently made using petrochemicals. After more than a generation of oil being synonymous with energy and controversial politics, a more promising, home-grown energy path is taking shape in the form of biofuels.

Why trees?

Corn-based fuel has been tried and tested. It works and has already been used in commercial flights (corn ethanol also powered early automobiles), but it’s a less practical biofuel — harder on the environment, needs more land to grow, requires better soil in fewer possible locations, and is edible. Trees of the types so plentiful in the Northwest wouldn’t remove a food source. NARA and AHB research so far has found trees provide more usable value per acre, can grow in more marginal soil and thus in more potential areas, and — a bonus — emit about half the carbon emissions, compared to corn.

Better still, wood-based biofuels would mean increased demand for more green space/forest land (yes, that’s more, not less) and the ability to convert existing mills and resources rather than necessarily start over. That could mean reviving dormant mills and more local jobs close to the fuel source.

Why focus on jetfuel first? Over the last decade the feds have been working on a solution to the energy industry’s woes, as well as air quality concerns. These project grants flow from The Energy Policy Act of 2005, which set progressive goals for renewable fuels by 2022.

It may be exciting and technically feasible, but like most things, not perfect.

“The greater challenge is mapping the supply chain,” said Cavalieri.

That means converting wood to biofuels must be economically and socially practical. Profitable. So the NARA and AHB teams are examining chemical co-products, existing mill structures, and other ways to make it work. Initially, that includes a mixed ratio of fuel. A “50-50 drop-in” is what the FAA is predicted to approve at first.

With approximately $1 trillion worth of aircraft around the word in this most energy-intensive form of transportation, any new fuel would have to be drop-in. That way no changes to existing aircraft technology would be needed. Once in place, biofuel could drive invention to accommodate full displacement of petroleum.

Whatever happens, biofuels are here to stay.

“While there is always a high degree of uncertainty in forecasting the future, as long as the global community is concerned about the climate, the environmental impact of transportation, and the need to have a diverse and secure fuel infrastructure, there will be growing use of biofuels,” Cavalieri concluded.

Look for much more information on both projects in the current issue of Northwest Mining & Timber, which has been distributed throughout the region.

Sholeh Patrick is a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Contact her at Sholeh@cdapress.com.