Abu Dhabi: Scientists in the UAE are taking centre stage in research on how to convert algae into energy.
Algae can be processed using thermal technologies to create electricity and biofuels such as diesel, ethanol, gasoline and others.
Unlike other plant sources, such as soybeans, corn and sugar canes, algae can be produced 365 days a year and grows in any climate.
"From the current model I can predict what would happen if you deleted a certain set gene," said Dr Kourosh Salehi-Ashtiani, faculty member at the New York University Abu Dhabi. "We can use this computational model as a predictive tool to simplify the task of conducting a number of experiments."
He added the model could even help scientists understand the likely impact of the alteration of algae genes that otherwise might not be experimentally possible.
Dr Salehi-Ashtiani has collaborated on this conversion project with researchers from Harvard University, the University of Virginia, the University of California, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the University of Iceland.
He aims to continue his research based in Abu Dhabi, making the capital a central point for his international efforts in advancing scientific knowledge of algal species.
"Abu Dhabi has an environment that is very motivated to explore new frontiers," he said.
The UAE and energy
The UAE is the world's third largest exporter of crude oil and is home to the world's sixth largest oil reserves and its fifth largest natural gas reserve, making it a crucial supplier in the global energy market. The UAE is pursuing ground-breaking renewable energy and energy efficiency programmes as Abu Dhabi has committed more than $15 billion to renewable energy programmes in wind and solar power and taken significant stakes in a series of renewable energy companies on a global basis.
Abu Dhabi is also a leading researcher in bio fuel engineering. The Sustainable Bioenergy Research Project (SBRP), for example, will use integrated saltwater agricultural systems to support the development and commercialization of bio fuels.
