Researchers see Salicornia as potential biofuel crop for aviation

Desh Raj SharmaFeb 22 2010

With nearly double the oil content of soybean, Salicornia, the salt-tolerant plant found widely across the Gulf, may be the next big crop for biofuel. Since the plant, commonly known as glasswort, pickleweed, and marsh samphire, grows in saline, arid land, none could raise a brow on issues concerning to land use. As the GCC (Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf) countries have already revealed their intent to go for biofuel, researchers are coming up with their researches and project layouts.

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UAE buckles up for the task:

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First, there is the proposed establishment of an experimental 200-hectare integrated seawater agricultural system near Abu Dhabi. Here, the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology (MIST) has collaborated with Boeing and Etihad Airways to realize this project within five years. Aside from the seawater agricultural system, the project will also serve as an ecosystem of fishponds and mangrove swamps.

Qatar follows suit:

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A similar project that involves the development of “economically viable and sustainable” agrofuels for the aviation industry includes partners like Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), Qatar Petroleum (QP) and Qatar Airways, jointly labeled as Qatar Advanced Biofuel Platform (QABP). Though Qatar prefers to keep mum about the specific feedstock it will be using for the purpose, it should be Salicornia as per the speculations. Seattle-based Verno Systems Inc is also a part of the ongoing researches in Qatar.

Via: The Peninsula

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