Estimation of bioenergy potential for local biomass in the United Arab Emirates

Abstract

The wide range of biomass spectrum in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) can be used for bioenergy production. The objective of this study is to highlight this potential by analyzing the bioethanol and biomethane potential of biomasses found in the UAE. Eighteen different biomass species and their fractions, including lignocellulose (date palm, Moringa peregrina, mangroves, and garden trimmings), halophytes (Salicornia sinus-persica and Salicornia bigelovii), seagrass (Halodule uninervis, Halophila ovalis, and Halophila stipulacea), macroalgae (Ulva Sp., Padina boergesenii, and Colppmenia sinuosa), and wastes (municipal and manures), were analyzed for bioenergy potential. Bioethanol production ranged from 55 to 359 kg ethanol/ton and biomethane production from 72 to 288 L CH4/kg from biomass of species selected here. Results indicate that lignocellulosic biomass furnishes higher bioethanol potential, whereas macroalgae (P. boergesenii) has the least bioethanol potential and washed S. bigelovii, lignocellulosic garden trimmings, and camel manure are best suited for biomethane production. Significant variations in bioethanol and biomethane potential have also been noticed between different biomass fractions.

Keywords: Bioenergy potential, Bioethanol, Biomass, Biomethane, Waste to energy