Used Renewable Biofuel Made From Residual Wood

Epic Fuels provided expertise in fuel blending as well as technical and logistical support to Alaska Airlines' first commercial flight using the world's first renewable, alternative jet fuel made from forest residuals, the limbs and branches that remain after the harvesting of managed forests. The alternative jet fuel was produced through the efforts of the Washington State University-led Northwest Advanced Renewables Alliance (NARA).

Gevo, Inc., a NARA partner, successfully adapted its patented technologies to convert cellulosic sugars derived from wood waste into renewable isobutanol, which was then further converted into Gevo's Alcohol-to-Jet (ATJ) fuel. Believed to be the world's first alternative jet fuel produced from wood, the fuel meets international ASTM standards, allowing it to be used safely for the commercial flight flown on November 14, 2016.

Alaska Airlines selected Epic Fuels as a partner to ensure project success based on Epic's extensive experience in renewable fuel operations. Epic provided transportation, logistic support, on-site quality control at both the Gevo facility and Alaska Airlines fuel operations at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and consultant support in the blending and testing process.

The demonstration flight departed Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on November 14 for Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. The flight was fueled with a 20 percent blend of sustainable aviation biofuel, which is chemically indistinguishable from regular jet A fuel. The flight, the first commercial passenger flight of its kind, continues to advance viable alternatives to conventional fossil fuels for aviation.

Epic Fuels has been playing an ever-increasing role in growing acceptance of sustainable biofuels and biofuel blends used in jet aviation. Through this and other similar programs, Epic has gained unique experience and insight of how biofuels interact with fossil jet fuels. The company has amassed significant experience in these projects including blending data, logistics, transportation and the rigorous testing required to ensure the fuels meet or exceed industry safety standards.

"We've provided expertise in blending and fuel quality testing in multiple demonstration flights over the last several years and are proud to work with leaders in the industry, such as Alaska Airlines, Gevo and NARA in identifying and fast tracking technologies that can improve the environmental performance of aviation fuels," said Kai Sorenson, Director of Commercial Sales for Epic Fuels.

Over the last several years Epic has provided both technical and logistic expertise in programs for sustainable fuel alternatives including two flights flown by Alaska Airlines in June 2016 using a blend of biofuel produced from non-edible, sustainable corn. In addition, Epic provided support for the Boeing ecoDemonstrator 757 flight with U.S.-made "green diesel" biofuel in June, 2015 and Boeing's first-ever flights using a green diesel blend during the ecoDemonstrator 787 flight test program in December, 2014.

(Source: Epic Fuels news release)

FMI: www.epicaviationllc.com