Abu Dhabi’s Etihad to launch project to turn municipal waste into jet fuel

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways is set to partner with Abu Dhabi Waste Management Center (Tadweer) on a research project to explore how municipal waste can be converted into jet fuel, it announced on Tuesday.

As part of an MoU signed between Etihad and Tadweer, the two entities will undertake an initial feasibility study towards developing a waste-to-fuel facility in Abu Dhabi.

Following the initial study, the companies will explore the possibility of developing a long-term project with additional partners, a statement said.

The project’s progress and other carbon offset opportunities will be coordinated through a joint work committee comprising Etihad Airways and Tadweer personnel.

One of the aims of the project would be to use the final jet fuel on Etihad Airways’ flights, the statement added.

Mohammad Al Bulooki, COO 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.”

According to recent industry estimates, the long-term production of renewable jet fuel could allow Etihad Airways to reduce its carbon emissions by up to 90 per cent.

The project also has economic advantages with the cost of production as low as 50 per cent of average international oil prices, the statement said.

The agreement is also part of the Abu Dhabi Waste Master Plan 2040, which aims to divert 75 per cent of municipal solid waste away from landfills.

An estimated 700,000 tonnes per annum of municipal waste is generated in Abu Dhabi that could potentially be converted into jet fuel or other energy sources.

Other sustainable fuel projects undertaken by Tadweer include a facility that recycles cooking oil into biofuel, set to open later this year.