Boeing-COMAC Technology Center Announces First Biofuel Research Project

Press release:

- Hangzhou Energy Engineering & Technology will find ways to convert waste cooking oil for use as jet fuel

BEIJING, Oct. 23, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- A newly formed technology center created by Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Commercial Aircraft Corp. of China (COMAC) has announced that Hangzhou Energy Engineering & Technology, Co., Ltd., (HEET) will conduct the center's first research project.

HEET, a company with experience developing alternative energy technologies, will focus on ways to convert discarded cooking oil into a component of sustainable aviation biofuel at the Boeing-COMAC Aviation Energy Conservation and Emissions Reductions Technology Center.

The project aims to identify contaminants in waste cooking oil, which often is described in China as "gutter oil," and processes that may treat and clean it for use as jet fuel. The focus of the project for the first year will be to demonstrate the feasibility of achieving significant cost reduction in converting gutter oils and other waste oils into jet fuel through improvement of conversion efficiency and associated technology.

The Boeing-COMAC technology center is working with China-based universities and research institutions to expand knowledge in areas such as sustainable aviation biofuels and air traffic management that improve commercial aviation's efficiency and reduce carbon emissions.

Funded by both companies, the center opened in August at COMAC's new Beijing Aeronautical Science and Technology Research Institute (BASTRI).

"As one of the member organizations of COMAC, BASTRI was built for carrying out civil aviation industry research and we aim at expanding knowledge in sustainable aviation biofuels and carbon emissions reduction," said Qin Fuguang, president of BASTRI, COMAC. "China is the world's fastest growing aviation market and the biggest consumer of cooking oil. There's great potential for converting the waste cooking oil into sustainable aviation fuel. It's a good opportunity for Boeing, HEET and COMAC to work together and make efforts to protect the environment." 

"HEET is a strong partner for the Boeing-COMAC technology center's 'gutter oil' research project," said Dong Yang Wu, vice president of Boeing Research & Technology - China. "We are excited about opportunities to partner with leading research capabilities in China to accelerate the global push for renewable jet fuels and support commercial aviation's growth while reducing its environmental footprint."

Waste cooking oil shows potential as a feedstock for sustainable aviation biofuel production and an alternative to petroleum-based fuel because China annually consumes approximately 29 million tons of cooking oil, while its aviation system uses 20 million tons of jet fuel. Finding more efficient ways to convert "gutter oil" into jet fuel could increase regional biofuel supplies and improve biofuel's affordability, enhancing the potential for commercial use.

About COMAC

The Commercial Aircraft Corporation of China, Ltd. (COMAC) is a state-owned company, which is formed with the approval of the State Council and jointly invested by the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) of the State Council, Shanghai Guosheng (Group) Co., Ltd., Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC), China Aluminum Corporation (CHINALCO), Baosteel Group, and Sinochem Group. COMAC was held on May 11th, 2008. COMAC is headquartered in Shanghai. Mr Jin Zhuanglong serves as Chairman of the Board, and Mr He Dongfeng as President.

COMAC functions as the main vehicle in implementing large passenger aircraft programs in China. It is also mandated with the overall planning of developing trunk liner and regional jet programs and realizing the industrialization of civil aircraft in China. COMAC is engaged in the research, manufacture and flight tests of civil aircraft and related businesses such as marketing, servicing, leasing and operations of civil aircraft. The company has seven  member organizations: Shanghai Aircraft Design and Research Institute (SADRI), Shanghai Aircraft Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (SAMC), Shanghai Aircraft Customer Service Co., Ltd., Beijing Aeronautical Science and Technology Research Institute (BASTRI), COMAC  Fight Test Centre (CFTC), Shanghai Aviation Industrial (Group) Co., Ltd. (SAIGC) and Shanghai Commercial Aircraft Magazine Co., Ltd.

COMAC adopts a "major manufacturer-suppliers" model, focusing on aircraft design, final assembly and manufacture of aircraft, marketing and customer service, and acquisition of certification. COMAC adheres to the principle of "developing with Chinese characteristics and representing the technical progress" and makes self-reliant advancement in the process of marketing, integration, localization and globalization. The company endeavors to manufacture large passenger aircraft that are safe, economical, comfortable and environmentally friendly. COMAC is determined to independently build large Chinese passenger aircraft that will soon be soaring through the blue skies. 

About Boeing

Boeing is the world's largest aerospace company and leading manufacturer of commercial jetliners and defense, space and security systems. A top U.S. exporter, the company supports airlines and U.S. and allied government customers in 150 countries. Boeing products and tailored services include commercial and military aircraft, satellites, weapons, electronic and defense systems, launch systems, advanced information and communication systems, and performance-based logistics and training. For more information about Boeing please visit www.boeing.com.

In 2012, Boeing celebrates the 40th anniversary of its partnership with China's aviation industry. Boeing is the single largest purchaser of made-in-China aviation parts, committing hundreds of millions of dollars annually to dozens of suppliers. Today, some 6,000 Boeing airplanes fly throughout the world with integrated China-built parts and assemblies.

About Hangzhou Energy Engineering & Technology Co., Ltd.

Hangzhou Energy Engineering & Technology Co., Ltd. is a leading energy technology company that specializes in developing alternative and green energy technology. It is dedicated to Research & Development and commercialization of technologies that will help save energy and protect environment.   HEET is located in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province.