Rolls-Royce, with the help of British Airways, is investigating alternative fuel possibilities for aircraft. While Rolls-Royce is best known for the manufacturer of high-end automobiles, Rolls-Royce Motors used to be a part of Rolls-Royce, Ltd, an engineering firm known for airplane manufacturing. The company was split in 1973, and Rolls-Royce plc continues to produce airplane engines for such craft as the Boeing 747. It's that second half that is working with British Airways these days.

The two companies have invited suppliers to provide alternative fuels to be tested for use with the Rolls-Royce RB211 engine — the test engine is from a British Airways Boeing 747. They're specifically focusing on biofuels, but haven't announced a particular variety. Ric Parker, Rolls-Royce's director of research and technology told the Cleantech Group: "It is critical that the fuel can not only do the job required of it, but can also offer a CO2 benefit and be produced without a detrimental impact to food, land or water. There must also be clear evidence of the potential for mass production and global distribution of an alternative fuel to support the world's aviation industry."

Rolls-Royce plans to narrow the field to four alternative fuels, which will undergo strenuous testing before a final selection process that hopefully will be completed before next year.

Photo — Michal818