While flying may be one of the quickest methods of transport, the planet definitely experiences an environmental impact.

However researchers from the University of California have identified a new biofuel which could get planes off the ground – and it’s made from sugarcane.

Sweet sugarcane biofuel

Findings published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences detail how sugarcane mixed with bagasse could produce aviation fuel, which would deliver substantial cuts to greenhouse emissions.

The sugarcane could be grown on marginal land which would not disrupt food production.

There are strict regulations surrounding aviation fuel; firstly, there cannot be any oxygen content as this decreases the energy density and as space on an aircraft is restricted, you want as much energy from burnable fuel as possible.

The fuel must have a correct boiling point distribution and have properties called lubricity, preventing excessive wear of turbines.

Finally it has to a very low pour point as temperatures around the aircraft can drop to -50C inflight.

The sugarcane biofuel has met all of the criteria.

What is the environmental cost of flying?

• Did you know that approximately 8 million people fly every day – and that number will only continue to grow?

• In 2012, 2% of all human related carbon emissions resulted from plane emissions.

• In February 2009, the first commercial flight party fuelled by biofuel departed from London’s Heathrow airport.

Do you know your own carbon footprint flightpath? You can calculate a CO2 estimate here.

Is biofuel the future?

Professor Bell from the research team has admitted the findings won’t be immediately adopted by commercial airlines and aviation fuel producers.

He revealed: ‘Our sponsors, BP, have encouraged us to apply for a patent, which we have, on this technology.’

‘Where they see the likely commercial interest for themselves and others is that the lubricants would be first as the profit margins are largest, next would be aviation fuel because of the growing US and European regulations requiring a ‘green’ component of aviation fuel.’