Abu Dhabi to pursue biofuel possibilities with Boeing and Total

Etihad Airways, the state-owned carrier of Abu Dhabi, is joining with French energy firm Total and US aircraft maker Boeing to develop biofuels in the emirate, company officials have announced.

Though Abu Dhabi has huge oil reserves and access to cheap jet fuel, it says it wants to develop sustainable energy sources to diversify its economy. Biofuels could also help Etihad meet targets in the aviation industry for curbing emissions of greenhouse gases.

Company COO Richard Hill reportedly said Etihad expects to start commercial flights of aircraft with bio jet fuel in five years.

Abu Dhabi Oil Refining (Takreer) and the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology will also take part in the project.

A number of possible feedstocks that could produce biofuel are being considered, including agricultural waste, date palm leaves, and plants tolerant to salt water such as salicornia that could be grown in coastal areas of the United Arab Emirates, officials say.