Takreer refinery blends biofuel

Abu Dhabi: For the first time ever in the UAE, biofuel was produced at the Takreer Research Center (TRC) in Abu Dhabi, via a collaborative effort with Etihad Airways, Boeing, Total, and Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.
The biofuel was partially converted from biomass by Total and its partner Amyris. Takreer Research Centre then undertook the final distillation to produce 600 litres of biofuel which was blended with normal jet fuel in a ratio of 1/10, adding the UAE to a handful of countries that have produced and flown on their own bio kerosene.
The BIOjet Initiative is aligned with the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030, which seeks to develop sustainable energy sources to diversify the UAE economy and increase workforce opportunities for Emiratis.
Takreer collaborates with Etihad Airways, Boeing, Total and Masdar Institute of Science and Technology on a new initiative known as 'BIOjet Abu Dhabi: Flight Path to Sustainability' to support a sustainable aviation biofuel industry in the United Arab Emirates.
'BIOjet Abu Dhabi' will engage a broad range of stakeholders to develop a comprehensive framework for a UAE biofuel supply chain, including research and development and expanded investment in feedstock production and refining capability in the UAE and globally.
'BIOjet Abu Dhabi' was announced on January 19, 2014 one day after Etihad Airways conducted a demonstration flight with a Boeing 777 powered in part by the first UAE-produced bio kerosene from an innovative plant biomass-processing technology.
The biofuel was partially converted from biomass by Total and its partner Amyris.
Takreer did the final aviation biofuel distillation, adding the UAE to a handful of countries that have produced and flown on their own bio kerosene.
Commenting on Takreer's role, Jasem Ali Al Sayegh, chief executive officer, said: "Takreer is proud to have been involved in refining this product at its Abu Dhabi Research Centre. We support the concept of using biofuel as a sustainable aviation fuel for a cleaner future in line with Adnoc's sustainability policy."
James Hogan, president and chief executive officer of Etihad Airways, stated, "Our goal is to support and help drive the commercialisation of sustainable aviation fuel in Abu Dhabi, the region and also globally".
haseeb@khaleejtimes.com