06.24.2009

There are many possible applications for synthetic fuels produced using the Rentech Process. For example, The United States Air Force (USAF) has certified a 50% blend of synthetic fuels for use in its aircraft. The USAF has a goal of 50% of its fuel purchases to be composed of domestic synthetic fuel blends by 2016.

Rentech’s Fischer-Tropsch process technology can produce synthetic fuels from a wide variety of biomass and fossil resources. RenJet and RenDiesel fuels are biodegradable, cleaner-burning and have a longer shelf life than traditional petroleum-derived fuels. In addition, the lower density of RenJet fuel could enable aircraft to have a lower take-off weight, which conserves fuel and therefore lowers operating costs.

Alternatively, the lower density of RenJet fuel could allow aircraft to carry heavier payloads with the same weight of fuel when compared to traditional jet fuel. Rentech’s synthetic fuels can also be used without modifying existing jet or diesel engines or distribution systems.

California-based synthetic fuels producer Rentech has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with 13 passenger and cargo carriers for a future supply of certified jet fuel from its proposed synthetic fuels and power facility in Mississippi. The airlines signed up for the Natchez Project off-take are: Air Canada, AirTran Airways, American Airlines, Atlas Air, Delta Air Lines, FedEx Express, JetBlue Airways, Lufthansa German Airlines, Mexicana Airlines, Polar Air Cargo, United Airlines, UPS Airlines and US Airways.