Wellington, Dec 15 NZPA - Marlborough's Aquaflow Bionomic says its algae-based jet fuel could soon be powering commercial and military aircraft after the successful production of synthetic paraffinic kerosene (SPK).

The company announced today that its wild algae had been refined to produce what it called the world's first sample of SPK converted from compounds derived from Aquaflow's wild algae.

SPK, when blended with petroleum-based kerosene, could be used to power commercial and military aircraft.

Aquaflow sources its wild algae from oxidation ponds in Marlborough, essentially producing the algae from Blenheim's sewage.

"This is a major breakthrough and confirms that wild and naturally occurring algae and its components can produce quality, sustainable aviation fuel," said Aquaflow director, Nick Gerritsen.

Mr Gerritsen said the sample met Jet A-1 specifications and, when blended with petroleum-based Jet A-1, could be used by commercial aircraft.

The algae was converted using technology from United States-based refining company UOP LLC, a Honeywell company.

UOP converted the sample to SPK and confirmed that the sample met the critical specifications for SPK including density, flash point and freeze point, Mr Gerritsen said.

The wild algae sample also yielded a sample of diesel fuel.

Mr Gerritsen said it was a significant milestone for the aviation industry and supported the identification of algae-based fuels solutions by Boeing and leading airlines.

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