United Airlines Invests $5 Million in Algae-Based Jet Fuel, Aiming for 100% Green Company by 2050

United Airlines has invested $5 million in Viridos, a technology company that specializes in turning algae into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

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Bioengineering is used by Viridos to produce algae oil, which can be used to create jet fuel & decarbonize various industries.

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It is expected that the use of algae-based SAF will significantly reduce an airline’s carbon footprint compared to traditional jet fuels, & United Airlines (UA) hopes to achieve its ambitious goal of being a 100% green company by 2050.

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The UA has started a venture fund to identify & invest in technology that will help it achieve that goal. The first investment made by the fund is in Viridos.

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Compared to traditional jet fuel, SAF, created by Viridos' algae oil, is expected to have a 70% reduced carbon footprint on a lifecycle basis.

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An abundant resource is found in algae, as it can be grown & harvested without impacting the food supply chain, making it an ideal source of feedstock for SAF.

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The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act of the Biden administration includes a tax credit specifically for SAF, which UA believes will encourage the production of improved SAF infrastructure & reduce the price of the fuel source.

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UA’s recent investment in Viridos is another step toward lowering carbon emissions in the aviation industry & creating a foundation for a biofuel future that moves away from fossil fuels without competing for precious resources such as fresh water & arable land.

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At present, SAF is made from used cooking oil or agricultural waste, but scientists hope it can eventually be made from such things as household trash, forest waste, or algae.

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