Quatar's biofuel development

Qatar Airways, Qatar Science & Technology Park (QSTP) and Qatar Petroleum (QP) are to jointly carry out engineering, economic analysis and move into the development of sustainable bio jet fuel that will also look into ways for production and supply, with the support of Airbus. Qatar Airways successfully conducted the world's first commercial flight powered by a Gas-to-Liquid (GTL) fuel blend in October 2009. Qatar Airways Chief Executive Officer Akbar Al Baker said: "Building on the experience and success of the GTL Consortium, we now move to the next phase of alternative fuels while continuing to develop GTL further." Seven months ago, Qatar Airways, Qatar Science & Technology Park together with US-based Verno Systems Inc, embarked on a detailed feasibility study on sustainable Biomass-to-Liquid (BTL) jet fuel and possible by-products such as bio diesel. This study looked at all available bio feed stocks that would not affect the food or fresh water supply chain. It also looked at existing and future production technologies with a viability analysis. Based on the result of this in-depth study, the partners have agreed to establish the "Qatar Advanced Biofuel Platform" (QABP) which will lead activities in the following four areas: � a detailed engineering and implementation plan for economically viable and sustainable bio fuel production; � a bio fuel investment strategy; � an advanced technology development programme; and � ongoing market and strategic analysis.