Renewable Energy Program
Considering the high energy-requirements for local water and food production systems, sustainable energy sources are required to sustain the increasing demand. In line with Qatar National Vision 2030, the center therefor aims to develop technologies for enhancing the energy utilization and the development of renewable energies. Energy efficiency initiatives in the oil and gas industries, urban contexts, as well as the country’s infrastructure development, are key issues addressed by this program. Some of the ongoing research topics are:
-Developing renewable liquid transportation fuel: For the transportation sector, especially the aviation industry, the use of high-density liquid fuel is very crucial for sustainable growth. For the last decade, the CSD has been working on the production of marine microalgae-based biofuels, including life cycle assessments (LCA) of the whole process
-Enhancing the energy balance of the wastewater treatment plant: Energy generation from the sewage sludge at the wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) premises could offset the overall energy requirement of the WWTPs. In a small-scale pilot study, methane will be generated by anaerobic digestion of the sewage sludge. Burning of methane will generate carbon dioxide and electricity; while the produced electricity could be used in the WWTP, the carbon dioxide stream will be injected in the microalgae culture. Produced microalgal biomass could be used as feedstock for various chemicals.
