EADS to unveil algae-powered aircraft
European aerospace giant EADS is poised to unveil a "hybrid" aircraft which runs on algae fuel, a world first, its technical director said on Friday.
The firm will present the machine at the Berlin Air Show (ILA) that runs from June 9 to 13, Jean Botti told the Die Welt daily.
"At the ILA, we are going to fly for the first time a craft with biofuel that has been made 100 percent from algae. That is a world premiere," Botti said.
"We need a paradigm shift in the aviation industry. We soon need an alternative to kerosene," he said, adding: "If 10 percent of our fleet is flying with biofuel in 2040, I would be extremely happy."
Die Welt had reported the aircraft was a helicopter, but company spokesman Gregor Kursell later told AFP that the technology would be used only in planes.
Slimy, fast-growing and full of fat, algae is quickly gaining ground as a potential renewable energy source.
Experts say it is also potentially useful for its ability to gobble up carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, while living happily in places not needed for food crops.
"I have high hopes for algae," said Botti.
(c) 2010 AFP