Aviation
SAA and Boeing test biofuels
SAA was collaborating with Boeing to find which biofuel, made from plants or algae, was the best suited for use in Africa, they announced this week. Ian Cruikshank, SAA’s head of environmental affairs, said flight tests showed that biofuel performed as well as, or better than, petroleum-based jet fuel. “When produced in sustainable ways, biofuel contributes far less to global climate change than traditional fuels because carbon dioxide is pulled out of the atmosphere by a growing plant-based feedstock.” Boeing and SAA believed that new developments in technology will enable the conversion of biomass into jet fuel in a more sustainable manner without competing with other sectors for food and water resources. Environmental group WWF South Africa will monitor and ensure compliance with sustainability principles that will ensure that fuel is sustainable and will lead to genuine carbon reductions. Aviation biofuel refined to required standards has been approved for a blend of up to 50 percent with traditional jet fuel. SAA and other airlines have collaborated in tests. – Audrey D’ Angelo
Energy
Fuel price cut is possible – AA
Prospects for a possible fuel price decrease at the end of October were looking positive, the Automobile Association of SA (AA) said yesterday. “International petroleum prices softened between October 2 and 11, giving an over-recovery of between 10c and 12c a litre for diesel, 15c for illuminating paraffin and 24c to 25c for petrol,” the AA said in a statement. “While the exchange rate has remained largely stable over the same period, with a negative impact of below 3c a litre, the AA cautions that the effects of a possible US debt default make this situation largely unpredictable.” The general view seemed to be that US politicians would smooth out their differences before tomorrow’s deadline for raising that country’s debt ceiling. “However, if a US default does take place, the effects on international exchange rates and the South African economy will be difficult to predict and could affect our fuel price outlook as well,” the AA said. – Sapa