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Sustainable Energy Solutions for Aviation: Abu Dhabi's Research Project Kicks Off

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, Boeing, Etihad Airways, and Honeywell's UOP have launched a collaborative research project to develop sustainable energy solutions for aviation. The Sustainable Bioenergy Research Project (SBRP) aims to establish Abu Dhabi as a hub for the development and commercialization of biofuels for aviation, using integrated saltwater agricultural systems. The project will investigate the use of integrated seawater agriculture systems (ISAS) to produce biofuels, capture and hold carbon from the atmosphere, and release fresh water for higher value uses.

Key Takeaways:

  • The SBRP will be hosted by the Masdar Institute and will provide laboratory and demonstration facilities for the research project.
  • The project will focus on developing a commercially viable alternative to conventional fossil fuels for aviation, with a target of reducing carbon emissions from the aviation industry.
  • The integrated seawater agriculture systems (ISAS) approach will be used to produce liquid and solid biofuels, capture and hold carbon from the atmosphere, and release fresh water for higher value uses.
  • The project will investigate the use of saltwater to create an aquaculture-based farming system in parallel with the growth of mangrove forests and Salicornia, a plant that thrives in salty water.
  • The technology of evolutionary seawater farming has been pioneered by Dr. Carl Hodges of Global Seawater Inc. (GSI).
  • The project will only seek solutions and lead research into biomass sources that do not distort the global food-chain, compete with fresh water uses or lead to unintended land use change.
  • The SBRP will adhere to the practices and principles developed by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels and supported by members of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group.

Statistics:

  • The project aims to achieve a 7% target of renewables by 2020, as stated by the Provost of the Masdar Institute, Dr. John Perkins.
  • The SBRP will focus on an integrated approach that uses saltwater to create an aquaculture-based farming system, which has the potential to reduce the impacts of sea level rise on coastal communities.
  • The project will convert aquaculture effluent into an affordable, nutrient-rich fertilizer for both plant species, including mangrove forests and Salicornia.
  • The area covered by the project is approximately 2 km?

Sources:

  • WAM
  • Masdar Institute of Science and Technology
  • Boeing
  • Etihad Airways
  • Honeywell's UOP
  • Global Seawater Inc. (GSI)

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