Malaysia to develop jet fuel from algae

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has launched a centre for aerospace innovation, setting its sight on technology to develop jet fuel from algae.

The Aerospace Malaysia Innovation Centre (AMIC) would also innovate new standards in aero structure manufacturing and sustainable green aeronautic materials as well as improved technologies for systems integration.

A statement from AMIC said the centre's Board of Directors has approved RM15mil in spending for the first year of operation.

According to AMIC chief executive officer Datuk Rosdi Mahmud selecting an optimal algae strain to produce jet fuel in Malaysia will be a top research priority in the first year.

"Quickly identifying an effective algae strain for the production of jet fuel will open the way for future work in Malaysia and could lead to the country cementing a major leadership role in global biofuel production for the aviation industry," said Rosdi.

The centre is a unique platform, developed by the Malaysian Industry-Government Group for High Technology (MIGHT) that convenes stakeholders from both the public and private sector as well academic and research communities.

Funded by RM40mil in grants from the Government of Malaysia, EADS and Rolls Royce, the centre is an industry-driven organisation pairing industry demands for research and technology with local Malaysian capability from universities, including lead university, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM).

Original article available here.