January 19, 2010 - Boeing and a collaborative of companies announced an agreement to establish a major research institution and demonstration project in Abu Dhabi dedicated to sustainable energy solutions. The Sustainable Bioenergy Research Project (SBRP) will use integrated saltwater agricultural systems to support the development and commercialization of biofuel sources for aviation and coproducts.

The collaborative will include Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, Etihad Airways and Honeywell's UOP. As part of its initial work statement, the SBRP will undertake research projects that combine the arid, saline-rich environment of Abu Dhabi with innovative saltwater farming practices.

The integrated approach uses saltwater to create an aquaculture-based seafood farming system in parallel with the growth of mangrove forests and salicornia, a plant that thrives in salty conditions. This closed-loop system converts what would otherwise be problematic aquaculture effluent in seawater into an affordable, nutrient-rich fertilizer for both plants. These biomass sources can then be sustainably harvested to generate clean energy and to create aviation biofuels and other products. Developing low-cost, nonpetroleum fertilizers is one of the keys to achieving genuine carbon emissions reductions from any biofuel source. 

As an independent research university working in renewable energy development, the Masdar Institute will lead SBRP operations, bringing strong scientific guidance to the project. According to Masdar Institute Provost Dr. John Perkins, "This project demonstrates the Masdar Institute's strong desire to establish a world-class university dedicated to alternative energy, environmental technologies and sustainability. This project will for the first time demonstrate the commercial viability of using integrated saltwater agriculture to provide biofuels for aviation, and it is consistent with the overall vision of Abu Dhabi to achieve a 7 percent target of renewables by 2020." 

The evolutionary seawater farming concept has been pioneered by Dr. Carl Hodges of Global Seawater, Inc., who has been engaged as a special adviser to the project, which will take place over an area of approximately 2 square kilometers (0.8 square miles).

Sustainable biofuel development is a key element of aviation's strategy to reduce carbon emissions. The SBRP will only research biomass sources that do not distort the global food chain, compete with fresh water use or lead to unintended land-use change. All phases of biomass cultivation for the project will be tested against the practices and principles developed by the Roundtable on Sustainable Biofuels and supported by members of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group.