Innovation

At the core of the process is a reactor where the chemical transformation of biofuels occurs. It begins with heating the used cooking oil, which is then mixed with methoxide, a combination of potassium hydroxide and methanol. This mixture is introduced into the reactor along with the heated oil. The reaction time depends on the system, but they've perfected the technology to complete the process within three hours. Once the reaction is finished, the mixture produces crude biodiesel, a combination of glycerol and biodiesel. 

The biodiesel yield varies, typically from 80% to 85%, depending on the free fatty acids in the used cooking oil. Before mixing in the methoxide, they perform titration in the lab to ensure precise measurements for optimal results. After separating the glycerol from the crude biodiesel, the biodiesel undergoes further processing using a distillation column to purify it. While this purified biodiesel meets Emirates Standards (ESMA) for biofuels, they’ve also developed technologies to meet the European standard EN14214, which is designed for colder climates where regular biodiesel might freeze. This advancement allows Lootah Biofuels to market its product to European countries, especially those in northern regions.

Beyond fuels, they are exploring innovations to maximize the potential of byproducts like glycerol. For instance, Yousif Bin Saeed Al Lootah explained, "We’re developing green additives such as solcatayle, made from recycled materials and glycerol. This additive is used in drilling fluids, offering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-based products." It’s a green commodity that contributes to a cleaner future while expanding the applications of biofuels beyond just engine fuel.

Inspiration

Yousif Bin Saeed Al Lootah shared, "Back in 2009, when I was just 18 years old, I had the opportunity to participate in an electric car marathon that ran from Paris to Prague over 15 days. It was an incredible experience with people from many different countries coming together. I drove a converted smart car, a small old vehicle retrofitted with lead-acid batteries and a small motor capable of only 60 kilometres per charge. While driving from Paris to Belgium, I realized how basic and slow the technology was compared to today’s electric vehicles like Tesla. Despite its limitations, the experience inspired me to think about sustainable transportation and what could be possible in the UAE."

During the marathon, Yousif remembered seeing biofuel initiatives in Germany, specifically recycling used cooking oil into energy. This idea stuck with him as a practical and innovative solution. When he returned to Dubai after the marathon, he started working on the concept of recycling used cooking oil into biodiesel. It was a basic idea at first, but he was passionate. "I went directly to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) and pitched my idea to a manager, suggesting they could use biodiesel in their buses. He was intrigued and encouraged me to participate in the Dubai Award for Sustainable Transportation to showcase the project," he explained. 

They entered the competition and proved that blending biodiesel with regular diesel could significantly reduce carbon emissions. The project was well-received by the award committee and won the Dubai Award for Sustainable Transportation. "That was the real kickstart for our journey transforming a simple idea into a viable project and eventually building a company around it," Yousif said.

Overall impact

Looking at the global biofuels market and technological advancements, history teaches us a critical lesson: if we don’t adapt to new technologies and solutions, we risk becoming obsolete. For instance, before fossil fuels became the primary energy source, the world relied on coal. But progress demanded change. As we face environmental challenges, biofuels represent the next step. Biofuels are an incredible commodity because they come from waste, specifically used cooking oil, and are recycled into energy. 

We could continue relying on fossil fuels and coal, but that would mean harming the environment and jeopardizing the future of the next generation. Instead, we have the opportunity to create a circular economy, particularly in sustainable transportation. By collecting used cooking oil from households, restaurants, and hotels, we can recycle it into energy, turning what was once waste into a valuable resource for the community and the country. 

Used cooking oil isn’t just a sustainable fuel for vehicles; it has the potential to power so much more. Imagine it being refined into sustainable aviation fuel for jet engines or specialized fuel for yachts. In fact, we are already producing sustainable yacht fuel. This demonstrates how biofuels can adapt to various industries, from aviation to maritime to everyday transportation. The possibilities are vast, and the world is shifting toward these solutions. Biofuels are not just a greener alternative, they are the future of energy.

Business benefit

Since starting in 2010, Lootah Biofuels has been grateful to witness incredible growth in the sustainable transportation industry, particularly in the UAE which has been a leader in this and other various sustainability initiatives. The country has made significant strides, and one of the key drivers is the Circular Economy Council. Lootah Biofuels recently opened a new plant in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and has even expanded into India and the Maldives, showing great business growth locally and internationally.

The UAE government is actively working toward a groundbreaking milestone. UAE is on track to become the first country in the Middle East, not just the Gulf region, to mandate a biofuel blend at petrol stations. This initiative is similar to what we see in North America and Europe, where stations offer blends like B7, B5, or B10, representing the percentage of biodiesel in the fuel. By 2026, god willing, you’ll find a similar system in the UAE integrating Lootah Biofuels, starting with B7 or higher. This makes Lootah a trailblazer in the region for integrating biofuels into everyday fuel consumption.

Social and environmental benefit

Lootah operations are built to be 100% environmentally sustainable. First, the company recycles used cooking oil into energy, which itself is a huge step toward reducing waste. Second, Lootah produces glycerol as a byproduct, which is from a sustainable source of recycled oil. Additionally, the company recycles the water used in our plant, ensuring minimal waste. Even the burner in the plant, which would traditionally run on diesel, is powered by Lootah biodiesel, further eliminating reliance on fossil fuels. 

The company has gone beyond just recycling to innovate new ways to repurpose byproducts. For instance, the minimal wastewater generated in our plant is now part of a groundbreaking initiative. Lootah is proud to partner with a leading UAE company specializing in fertilizers to integrate this wastewater into their products for plants, trees, and farms. This approach not only minimizes waste but also adds value to agricultural practices, reinforcing the commitment to a truly circular and sustainable economy.

Interview

Yousif Bin Saeed Al Lootah, Founder & CEO