90 likes | 164 Views
‘ Saltwater tolerant biomass as a source of jet fuel – a way forward for Abu Dhabi? ’. Linden Coppell, Head of Environmental Affairs. Motivation. Supporting the development of diversified renewable energy in Abu Dhabi A potentially viable geographic solution
E N D
‘Saltwater tolerant biomass as a source of jet fuel – a way forward for Abu Dhabi?’ Linden Coppell, Head of Environmental Affairs
Motivation • Supporting the development of diversified renewable energy in Abu Dhabi • A potentially viable geographic solution • Recognising the financial implications of a regulated carbon environment
Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium Host Institution Masdar Institute Industry Launch Partners Etihad Airways The Boeing Company Honeywell UOP • Research Labs: Masdar Institute • Pilot Plant Farm: 200 hectares in Abu Dhabi, UAE Physical Infrastructure
Integrated Seawater Agriculture System (ISAS) Biologically treated seawater Ocean Seawater Integrated seawater agriculture system (ISAS) Mangrove silviculture Aquaculture Ocean Nutrient rich effluent Halo-agriculture Remaining effluent
Global potential There are approximately 50 x 106 hectares of potentially arable coastal desert around the globe. Moscow Frankfurt London Paris Minsk Astana • Beijing Toronto Chicago Tokyo Milan New York Madrid Seoul • Istanbul San Francisco • Tehran Casablanca • Shanghai • Damascus Los Angeles Cairo Dallas Jeddah Abu Dhabi • Guangzhou • Katmandu • Hong Kong Khartoum Mumbai • Bangkok Manila Lagos Colombo Nairobi Jakarta Rio de Janeiro São Paulo Perth • Johannesburg Cape town Buenos Aires • Sydney Melbourne
Challenges and risks • Perception management - edibility of Salicornia tips and oil • Hypersalinisation of the soil • Coastal eutrophication risk (mitigated by mangroves) • Radiative forcing from greening the desert • Use of non-native species to the region (but not invasive) • Lack of prior large-scale research and proven integration
Early experimentation and yields • Small scale investigation looked at ranges in salinity, irrigation rates and fertiliser use • Indicative yield studies indicate that a 200ha site could yield 14,200-40,000 gallons • One Abu Dhabi – London - Abu Dhabi flight • A 100,000ha commercial-scale facility would yield sufficient fuel for approx approximately 180 Abu Dhabi-London return flights • As knowledge and plant breeding / genetic development matures yield will improve
Summary • Demonstrate the viability of a sustainable biofuel and bioresource production in arid coastal environments • Provide groundwork for future viable commercial supply