Scientists have successfully tested the conversion of used edible oil into bio aviation turbine fuel which can be blended with conventional aviation turbine fuel to be used as aircraft fuel. The Dehradun based Indian Institute of Petroleum has successfully finished a pilot test to convert used cooking oil.
The institute collected oil from caterers and hotels in Dehradun for the project. The chemical composition of used oil is identical to other plant based oils. However, the fuel derived from used cooking oil is yet to be tested on a flight. As of now we have not yet built a stock large enough to power a flight. The test assumes importance as the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India has launched repurpose cooking oil initiative to collect and convert used cooking oil into biofuel. It is looking for partners to commercialize this technology.
