Algae-based biodiesel project sets off in Dubai

Dubai-based Lootah Biofuels is set to work with AlgaOil to research using algae for oil extraction outside of man-made ponds.

Lootah will work with the Singapore-based algae cultivator at looking at more natural spaces and resources to create biodiesel from algae, particularly within the untouched desert in the region.

‘The potential of biodiesel from algae is very big but, as the mindset of people changes, it will take maybe 30 years to perfect as fossil fuel oil declines and renewable energy sources improve,’ Lootah CEO Yousif Saeed was quoted as saying while adding that positive results would also boost greenhouse gas emission savings too.

Lootah has already been successful in creating biofuels from used cooking oil from the food industry since 2010 and has been part of a green car project too.