(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Total and Qatar University's Center for Sustainable Development have initiated two research projects for the investigation of micro-algae from Qatar to produce biofuels as well as Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS). Both projects are sponsored by Total R & D Group and will be performed at Qatar University.
The partnership is a very valuable addition to the research portfolio of Qatar University, as it supports the investigation into sustainable solutions to support the increasing global requirements for biofuels, lubricants, and raw materials, whilst capturing carbon dioxide. Research and Development is a cornerstone of Total's strategy in order to continuously improve the way to address environmental challenges.
'Total is investing and supporting the development of Algae with CO2 in partnership with Qatar University as we believe that Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage will leverage innovative technologies which contribute to achieve carbon neutrality in the second half of the century, said Marie-Noelle Semeria, Senior Vice President, Group Chief Technology Officer at Total.
Algae projects fit within this objective, as algae are sustainable sources of biomass, which can be used for a multitude of applications including biofuels production and CO2 sequestration using non-arable lands.
Professor Mariam Al Madeed, V-P for Research at Qatar University, said: 'Through such industry funded projects and R & D collaborations, research at the university is benchmarked against the requirements and standards from industry, ensuring that our research is impactful, solution orientated, and truly collaborative.
She said that these projects with Total support Qatar University in creating integrated knowledge and collaborative arrangements to solve the pressing issues of sustainable development in Qatar. The Algal Technologies Program (Centre of Sustainable Development, College of Arts and Sciences, Qatar University), is a research group dedicated to developing algal technologies in support of the sustainable development of Qatar and the Qatar National Vision 2030.
Hareb Al Jabri, Acting Director of the Center for Sustainable Development, and lead investigator on the project said: 'Algae are a fast-developing field, and present a high potential for production in Qatar. Using this valuable local resource to offset greenhouse gas emissions, whilst also supporting the local economy, is key in achieving a more sustainable future for Qatar.
Total's relationship with Qatar University strives on the shared ambition to develop sustainable solutions and support national aspirations in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
'These agreements are strategic for us, as we are bridging Total Group's Vision with Qatar University strategic plan of bringing together the world-class facilities and the expertise of industry and academia to promote sustainability, said Yousef Al Jaber, Director of Total Research Center-Qatar.
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