Dubai looks into biodiesel and solar power

Roads & Transport Authority Studies Feasibility Of Use Of Green Diesel For Abras

On The Use Of Green Diesel For Operating Abras In A Bid To Minimize Pollution Associated With Diesel-Operated Abra Engines

article from: http://www.dubaicityguide.com

Dubai Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) is contemplating the use of green diesel for abras, under a drive to utilize renewable & environment-friendly energy sources, in implementation of its vision aiming at providing safe & smooth transport for all.

Engineer Khalid Al Zahid, Director of Marine Projects at RTA Marine Agency, stated that the Agency is always in pursuit of multiple environment-friendly energy options for operating marine transport modes. For this end, Research & Studies Center, at RTA Marine Agency is conducting a study, in collaboration with a leading national company, on the use of green diesel for operating abras in a bid to minimize pollution associated with diesel-operated abra engines.

He commented that further studies are underway regarding adopting Hybrid Engines for marine transport modes.

Such technology envisages combination of fuel engines & electrical turbines with a view to producing environment-friendly energy to produce the same amount of power with lesser amount of pollution and efficient fuel consumption compared to traditional engines.

Recently RTA launched an initiative, with a leading establishment in the emirate (Emirates Gas Co.) to achieve the same purpose under a project aiming at switching abra engines to natural gas.

"Operating abras on natural gas will minimize pollution levels, as well as reduce fuel costs by 30%; which is equivalent to one million dirham annually. Percentage of pollution resulting from smoke columns associated with diesel operation will be cut by 66%, and emission of toxic gases from exhausts of abra engines (such as Co, CO2, Nox and So2) will also be slashed" said Al Zahid.

He pointed out that switching operation of various marine transport modes to renewable energy sources, and adoption of the best international practices leading to innovative solutions and uplifting the level of services provided to the public are among the key objectives of the Agency pursued by Marine Projects Dep’t.

"In early April 2007, Marine Agency will embark on another solar energy project aiming at cutting down pollution resulting from diesel engines of abras by 80% and reducing fuel costs by 65% from Dh3.6 million (in diesel engines) to Dh2.2 million (in solar energy engines). Such a project will also reduce emission of toxic gases from exhausts of abra engines (such as Co, CO2, Nox and So2), as well as noise pollution from 92dB (in diesel engines) to 65dB (in solar energy engines). Additionally, solar energy engines do not involve any fuel spillage, whereas diesel engines are associated with oil spills causing water pollution, environmental hazards and undermining public health.

Al Zahid added that as Marine Agency is fully aware of the role of renewable energy and its impact on environment, it will take part in a conference specialized in marine transport modes and operating them on environment-friendly energy sources, which will be organized by Dubai Maritime City at the end of this month.