European aerospace giant EADS will fly an an algae- powered plane (a Diamond DA42) at the ILA Berlin Airshow from June 9-13, the company's technical director said on June 4.
Also demonstrated at the show will be a hybrid helicopter concept which combines an OPOC diesel engine with electrical power.
"At the ILA, we are going to fly for the first time a craft with biofuel that has been made 100% from algae. That is a world premiere," Botti said.
"We need a paradigm shift in the aviation industry. We soon need an alternative to kerosine," he said, adding: "If 10% of our fleet is flying with biofuel in 2040, I would be extremely happy."
Slimy, fast-growing and full of fat, algae is quickly gaining ground as a potential renewable energy source.
Experts say it is also potentially useful for its ability to gobble up carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, while living happily in places not needed for food crops.
"I have high hopes for algae," said Botti.
Copyright Agence France-Presse, 2010
