Masdar Institute and partners to build pilot seawater bioenergy plant in Abu Dhabi

The Sustainable Bioenergy Research Consortium (SBRC) has awarded a contract to International Mechanical & Electrical Co. to build a pilot plant that produces halophyte-derived jet fuel and bioenergy using wastewater.

A consortium of the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, Etihad Airways, Boeing, Honeywell UOP, Safran and GE, SBRC has been studying the commercial viability of the Integrated Seawater Energy and Agriculture System (ISEAS) since 2011.

The ISEAS involves using of coastal seawater for the cultivation of fish and shrimp. Whereas the seafood can be consumed, the nutrient-rich wastewater is used as fertiliser for plants rich in oils.

The plants can be harvested for the production of aviation biofuel, while the effluent is used to cultivate mangroves.

The system includes three basic components, aquaculture and halophyte agriculture and silviculture.

According to Masdar, agronomic research on halophyte plants such as Salicornia bigelovii, and other local species, has produced promising results. The use of non-arable desert land and sea-water irrigation really sets this system apart from traditional biomass production.

Masdar Institute CEO Ahmad Belhoul said: "This remarkable research has enormous implications for harmoniously producing food and fuel in water- and arable land-constrained regions.

"Considering that about 20% of the world’s land is desert and 97% of the world’s water is salt water, this approach turns a land and water resource scarcity problem on its head by creating a bioenergy solution applicable in countries around the globe."

The pilot facility will be constructed on a two-hectare site in Masdar City in Abu Dhabi this year, followed by a 200-hectare demonstration farm in the next few years.

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Image: The pilot facility will test the Integrated Seawater Energy and Agriculture System. Photo: courtesy of Masdar Institute.