UAE | Environment
Plant offers eco-friendly energy option
Air pollution problems in the UAE could be solved to some extent thanks to a small desert plant which could also revolutionise renewable energy options.
- By Emmanuelle Landais, Staff Reporter
- Published: 00:00 February 3, 2007
Dubai: Air pollution problems in the UAE could be solved to some extent thanks to a small desert plant which could also revolutionise renewable energy options.
Scientists at the UAE University in Al Ain have come up with an alternative to diesel fuel by using jojoba oil.
Jojoba contains less carbon, which means lower emissions of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and soot. Dr Mohammad Younus Al Saghir Salim, associate professor at the mechanical engineering department at the UAE University, has been working on the concept since 1997 when a first sample was produced.
Renewable energy
Salim, a guest speaker at the renewable energy conference, Renergex 2007, taking place in Dubai next month, will conduct a presentation on the use of renewable fuels in diesel engines.
The first successful trial with a diesel engine took place in 2003 and more research is being conducted, but the final product could be available to the public within two years if it receives substantial financial backing.
"Jojoba oil could be used in diesel engines without much modification to the engine. It contains zero sulfur and gives off less exhaust emissions than diesel. It can be used pure or mixed with diesel. We are also working on a replacement for petrol," said Salim.
"Jojoba is a small tree with a long lifespan and can be found and survive in the UAE with the hot conditions we have here. It needs little water and the seeds produced contain half their volume in oil," added Salim.
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