Japan Airlines (JAL) has been conducting a demonstration test of a new rice-derived biodiesel fuel at Yamagata Airport since May 28.
The project is being carried out jointly with Showa Sangyo, Boso Oil & Fat, Phytochemical Products, and Tohoku University. Using a reaction-separation technology (ion-exchange resin method) developed by Tohoku University, non-edible rice bran fatty acids generated during rice oil production are upcycled as the raw material. This is the first initiative in the world to use biodiesel fuel produced with this technology at an airport.
The vehicle subject to the test is one towing tractor. The test will verify driving performance when using biodiesel fuel, its impact on the vehicle, and the fuel supply system. The demonstration period is scheduled to run until the end of May 2027.
