Qatar University unveils biofuel project

Qatar University has unveiled a biofuel project ahead of the UN climate change conference COP18, which is set to be held in the Gulf state.

The research team has developed cutting-edge facilities for the research into affordable sustainable biofuels.

Collaborating on the project with the university are Qatar Airways and Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP).

It is hoped that biofuels created by the scheme will be of good use in the aviation industry. It is also a stipulation that they should be produced efficiently in Qatar's intense climate.

If the project is successful, the discovery could make waves worldwide. A biofuel for planes that experiences take-up in the industry could significantly cut one of the industry's biggest fixed costs.

Furthermore, it would also have a positive effect on the environment, as carbon dioxide would be recycled rather than just building up in the atmosphere.

The research team isolated photosynthetic organisms that are found only in Qatar and grow well in the country's harsh climatic conditions.

After successfully growing these cultures in the lab, they extracted the fat to make fuel and put the resulting carbohydrate into bioethanol.

The experience has already been scaled up once successfully, and is now to grow even more after the construction of a pilot plant on a much larger scale.

“We are at an exciting and critical point in this project. If successful, it could help transform the international aviation industry," commented project manager Hareb al-Jabri.

“This project is a real example of successful state-backed collaboration to find sustainable ways of enabling Qatar’s development which will have an impact across the world.”

The project has been backed by the state to the tune of QR45.5 million, and this is the first time the scientists have spoken out about its progress.