Power hungry: market for synthetic aviation fuels off to a shaky start.(Aviation Energy)

National Defense, May, 2008 by Wagner, Breanne

Algae, wood chips or garbage could in the future help fuel airplanes.

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So say U.S. manufacturers of alternative aviation fuel, who are beginning to develop novel ways to power aircraft.

Makers of synthetic fuel are eager to offer their wares to the military as a lower cost and nationally produced alternative to petroleum-based products.

Chief among the potential buyers of synthetic fuel is the Air Force, which has trumpeted an ambitious plan to power its aircraft with alternative propellants.

The service plans to certify its aircraft fleet with synthetics by 2011 and aims to meet half of its fuel needs with such products by 2016.

But Air Force officials face roadblocks that are hampering...