An agreement to establish a major aviation bioenergy research institution and demonstration project in Abu Dhabi was unveilled today (18th January) by Boeing, the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, Etihad Airways and Honeywell's UOP. The Sustainable Bioenergy Research Project (SBRP) will, says the compaies, use integrated saltwater agricultural systems to support the development and commercialization of biofuel sources for aviation and coproducts.

The integrated approach, explained the statement, uses saltwater to create an aquaculture-based seafood farming system in parallel with the growth of mangrove forests and salicornia, a plant that thrives in salty conditions. This closed-loop system converts what would otherwise be problematic aquaculture effluent in seawater into an affordable, nutrient-rich fertilizer for both plants. These biomass sources can then be sustainably harvested to generate clean energy and to create aviation biofuels and other products. Developing low-cost, nonpetroleum fertilizers is one of the keys to achieving genuine carbon emissions reductions from any biofuel source.

Commenting on the announcement Jim Albaugh, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes said; "Together with the Abu Dhabi government, Etihad Airways and other industry leaders, we are forging our energy future by developing a renewable fuel supply now, not when fossil fuels are depleted. Developing and commercializing these low-carbon energy sources is the right thing for our industry, for our customers and for future generations."

The seawater farming concept has been pioneered by Dr. Carl Hodges of Global Seawater, Inc., who has been engaged as a special adviser to the project, which will take place over an area of approximately 2 square kilometers (0.8 square miles).

"The development of carbon-neutral sources of energy is of major importance to Etihad Airways and the aviation industry," said Etihad Airways Chief Executive Officer, James Hogan. "We are delighted to be a key member of the Sustainable Bioenergy Research Project, which will be based in Abu Dhabi and will be one of the most innovative schemes of this nature in the world. The SBRP findings will be of great use to Etihad Airways as we look to reduce the use of conventional fossil fuels and to develop a commercially viable alternative that is also able to meet the sustainability principles that we have committed to as a member of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group."