On Oct. 6, Boeing reported another partner in the project, Honeywell's
UOP. The two companies would launch a study on the sustainability of a
leading family of saltwater-based plants for renewable jet fuel. Halophytes
were said to be a leading source of biomass energy.
Executives said the study was part of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel
Users Group consortium. Another consortium member was identified as Yale
University's School of Forestry and Environmental Studies, which would
assess the total carbon life cycle of biofuels.
"By working with Masdar Institute to look at these species in a formal
research framework, we will better know if certain types of halophytes meet
the carbon reduction and socioeconomic criteria that will allow them to
become part of a portfolio of sustainable biofuel solutions for aviation,"
Billy Glover, managing director of environmental strategy for Boeing
Commercial Airplanes, said.
"Boeing and the scientific and academic communities are stepping forward
to look at the totality of each renewable fuel source that can help us
reduce carbon emissions," Glover said.
The UAE has signed a strategic agreement with Boeing and several other
Western companies for research and development, particularly in aerospace.
The UAE has overseen the building of separate aerospace and defense
infrastructures in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
The Masdar project was designed to enable the UAE to acquire the
capability to expand renewable energy technologies into biofuels. Executives
said Masdar wants to establish the world's first carbon-neutral, zero-waste
city in Masdar City, located at the edge of Abu Dhabi.
"Masdar City will have access to important production of locally grown
food and thus reduce its dependence on carbon-intensive imports,"
Sgouris Sgouridis, a leading researcher at Masdar, said. "In terms of the
United Arab Emirates, it would provide an additional significant source of
biofuels that would allow the UAE to transition into a less fossil
fuel-dependent economy."
