Aviation News Item: 00252

6th Oct 2009

Source: ubmaviationnews.com

Boeing and Honeywell's UOP are to launch a study to examine the overall potential for sustainable, large-scale production of biofuels made from salicornia bigelovii and saltwater mangroves - plants known as halophytes. The Masdar Institute of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi will lead the study, which will also include Yale University's School of Forestry & Environmental Studies. Halophytes are considered highly productive sources of biomass energy, which thrive in arid land, can be irrigated with sea water, and potentially deliver very high yields per unit of land. The halophyte study will evaluate aquaculture management and practices, land use and energy requirements and should identify potential adverse ecological or social impacts associated with using halophytes for energy development, specifically for aviation biofuel development.

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