UAE national carrier Etihad Airways and Abu Dhabi Waste Management Center (Tadweer) will be collaborating on a research project to explore how municipal waste can be converted into jet fuel
Etihad and Tadweer have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at Etihad?s headquarters. The MoU mandates the two entities to undertake an initial feasibility study towards developing a flagship waste-to-fuel facility in Abu Dhabi.
Following the initial study, Etihad Airways and Tadweer will explore the possibility of developing a long-term project with additional partners.
The project?s progress and other carbon offset opportunities will be coordinated through a joint work committee comprising Etihad Airways and Tadweer personnel.
Representing a major development in the adoption of sustainable fuel, one of the aims of the project would be to use the final jet fuel on Etihad Airways? flights.
Mohammad Al Bulooki, chief operating officer at Etihad Aviation Group, said, ?Waste-to-biofuel is a cutting-edge technology - one that Etihad Airways believes will have a profoundly positive impact on the aviation industry, while also providing waste management solutions and a cleaner environment.
?The adoption and upscaling of sustainable energy supplies is a crucial step towards reducing Etihad Airways? dependency on fossil fuels, allowing the airline to grow sustainably and offset carbon emissions. This landmark agreement signed with Tadweer today reflects Etihad Airways? mutual commitment to sustainability, and the airline hopes that it can bring about lasting change to the sustainable energy landscape in the UAE,? the chief operating officer added.
Salem Al Kaabi, acting general manager of Tadweer, further added, ?The MoU aligns with our mandate to deliver highly innovative industrial and municipal waste management solutions, as well as our commitment to the National Agenda of the UAE Vision 2021 and Abu Dhabi Waste Master Plan 2040 that aims to divert 75 per cent of municipal solid waste away from landfills.?
He further added, ?The conversion of waste into energy is one of the most promising fields of research emerging globally, and we look forward to executing our joint feasibility study with Etihad Airways.?
