Australian-based airline Qantas will collaborate with Solazyme, one of the USA’s leading renewable energy companies, to investigate opportunities for sustainable, algae-based aviation fuel.

Qantas and Solazyme will develop a business case for the introduction of the fuel technology in Australia during the next year.

Qantas also has an agreement with the US-based Solena Group for research into waste-based aviation fuel.

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce said the both projects are part of the airline’s strategy to accelerate the commercialisation of ‘drop-in’ alternative jet fuels to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

“The costs and environmental impacts associated with traditional jet fuel mean it is imperative that we push hard now for the commercialisation of alternative fuel sources,” Mr Joyce said.

“We want to be at the forefront of this growing sector.”

The Qantas Group is one of the largest fuel users in Australia, consuming 4.6 billion litres of jet kerosene in the last two years, at a cost of $3.3 billion.

Austrade’s Regional Director for The Americas, Grame Barty said, “Austrade has been working with the top US biofuels companies for the past three years as part of a strategy to attract investment and grow the advanced biofuels industry in Australia.

“These agreements highlight both the US market as a leader in this space and Australia as a high-potential, key investment target for international companies,” Mr Barty said.

Qantas said cleaner fuel sources are sought to ensure the company’s long-term sustainability.