ABU DHABI: Saltwater plants really can produce fuel for aeroplanes. The basic research has proven the idea and Sunday in Abu Dhabi saw the signing of an agreement to establish a major research and demonstration project dedicated to that and other sustainable energy solutions.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, Etihad Airways’ and UOP Honeywell (Renewable Energy & Chemicals) signed the agreement with the Masdar Institute to formally launch the project.
“This project will for the first time demonstrate the commercial viability of using integrated saltwater agriculture to provide biofuels for aviation, and is consistent with the overall vision of Abu Dhabi to achieve a seven percent target of renewables by 2020,” said provost of the Masdar Institute, John Perkins.
The Sustainable Bioenergy Research Project (SBRP) will use integrated saltwater agricultural systems to support the development and commercialization of biofuel sources for aviation, and co-products.
The project, to be carried out in the carbon neutral Masdar city, which is in the early stages of construction, involves the development of an aquaculture-based farming system in parallel with the growth of mangrove forests and Salicornia, a plant that thrives in salty water. Sometimes known as Sea Asparagus or Saltwort, the S. Europa variety is edible and considered a delicacy. An independent research university working in renewable energy development, the Masdar Institute will lead SBRP operations.
Its initial work will be to undertake research projects that combine the arid and saline-rich environment of Abu Dhabi with saltwater farming practices. The project will be based in the Masdar Institute which will provide both laboratory and demonstration facilities.
The SBRP team will focus on the well-established integrated seawater agriculture systems approach, an efficient system for producing liquid and solid biofuels. The institute expects that the system will capture and hold carbon from the atmosphere, enlarge habitats to increase biodiversity, and simultaneously releasing fresh water for higher value uses (drinking water, industrial use and food products). The Future Energy Conference starts its public deliberations and workshops Monday.
