Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, with partners Boeing and Etihad Airways, announced an agreement to establish a research institute in Abu Dhabi dedicated to pioneering sustainable energy solutions. The Sustainable Bioenergy Research Project (SBRP) will use integrated saltwater agricultural systems to support the development and commercialization of biofuel sources for aviation and other products.
The SBRP will undertake research projects in the arid and salt-rich environment of Abu Dhabi that will feature innovative and promising saltwater farming practices. The Masdar Institute will host the SBRP and provide laboratory and demonstration facilities both within and outside of Masdar City, the world’s first zero-carbon city.
"The paradigm for energy supply is shifting. To meet the growing demand for energy worldwide, we must identify regional biofuel solutions that are not only sustainable, but can actually regenerate the ecosystems where they are produced," said Jennifer Holmgren, vice president and general manager of Renewable Energy & Chemicals for Honeywell’s UOP. "This project is a unique opportunity to showcase the viability of a geographically-optimized solution and the availability of technology that produces high-quality green transportation fuels."