The desert economies of the Middle East supply much of the oil we refine into gasoline to run our cars and trucks. Now they want to supply our bio jet fuel.
Study to examine whether Persian Gulf saltwater mangroves can grow halophyte biofuel producing plant
Boeing, Honeywell and the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology of Abu Dhabi will join forces to decide whether salt-friendly halophyte plants that grow in the arid climate of the Persian Gulf can become sources of biofuel.
Their study will be conducted in Abu Dhabi with results available in late 2010.
The aim is to learn whether salicornia bigelovii, known as halophyte, can be grown in large quantity in the saltwater mangroves on the coast of this tiny country bordering Oman and Saudi Arabia.
They are known to be highly productive sources of biomass energy and are easy on the environment because they can be irrigated with seawater. Early testing indicates that with improved plant science and agronomy, “halophytes have the potential to deliver very high yields per unit of land,” according to a press release announcing the test.
Yale University’s School of Forestry and Environmental Studies also will participate in the work.
The study intends to look at land use needs, the energy requirements of large scale production and identify any potential environmental hazards. A successful outcome could enable the United Arab Emirates to “transition into a less fossil fuel dependent economy,” said Sgouris Sgouridis of the Masdar Institute.
