Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Texas A&M and Qatar Shell sign 3 year agriculture research agreements
Mar 29, 2016
Doha, March 29 2016: The Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Texas A&M University at Qatar and Qatar Shell Research and Technology Centre (QSRTC) signed three year Research & Development (R&D) agreements exploring the use of Pearl Gas to Liquids (GTL) biosolids, a byproduct of the GTL process, for the production of fodder crops at the Ministry’s experimental farm in Rawdat Al Faras.
The signing ceremony took place at The Ministry of Municipality and Environment and was attended by HE Sheikh Dr. Faleh bin Nasser Al -Thani, Assistant Undersecretary of Agricultural Affairs, Livestock and Fisheries, Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Dr. Ann L. Kenimer, the Interim Dean of Texas A&M at Qatar, and Mr. Michiel Kool, Managing Director and Chairman of Qatar Shell Companies.
Biosolids are the byproduct of a biological water treatment process at Pearl GTL whereby living micro-organisms, rather than chemicals, treat the industrial water produced in the gas-to-liquids conversion process. Global uses of biosolids include application as a soil enhancer to improve and maintain productive soils, stimulate plant growth and increase water retention. They are also used as a soil enhancer in gardens and parks.
The agreements will focus on carrying out research to study the feasibility of using Pearl GTL biosolids as soil enhancer for growing fodder crops, and then evaluate their environmental impact and benefits in terms of improving the soil composition in Qatar.
HE Sheikh Dr. Faleh bin Nasser Al -Thani, Assistant Undersecretary of Agricultural Affairs, Livestock and Fisheries, Ministry of Municipality and Environment said: “At the Ministry we aim for inclusive and sustainable growth for future generations in Qatar. That is why we are delighted to collaborate with QSRTC and Texas A&M at Qatar to explore the suitability of use of Pearl GTL biosolids in agriculture to improve soil properties in Qatar.”
Dr. Ann L. Kenimer of Texas A&M at Qatar said: “This research collaboration with QSRTC and the Ministry of Municipality and Environment aims to identify sustainable and economically beneficial solutions for industrial by-products. This project aligns with Texas A&M University at Qatar’s research priorities and supports Qatar’s quest to become a knowledge-based economy in which research plays a vital role in resolving emerging issues and furthering development.”
Michiel Kool, Managing Director and Chairman of Qatar Shell Companies said: “We are extremely proud to once again collaborate with the Ministry of Municipality and Environment and Texas A&M at Qatar. This agreement builds on our existing 10 yearlong R&D collaboration agreement with the Department of Agriculture which includes the Rawdat Al Faras research farm.
At QSRTC we will continue to cooperate with academia, government, non-profit organisations and private sector partners to provide research and innovative solutions that will help mitigate and resolve energy challenges faced by Qatar, in turn delivering sustainable impact in support of the Qatar National Vision 2030.”
As the anchor tenant of Qatar Science and Technology Park, QSRTC continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of R&D in Qatar, through ground-breaking research and thought-leadership into energy and environmental challenges faced by Qatar. Its programme of dynamic collaborations with both the local and international academic community ensures QSRTC meets its mandate to add value to Pearl GTL and the State of Qatar, in line with Qatar National Vision 2030.
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About Qatar Shell
Shell is the largest international investor in Qatar having invested USD 21 billion over the past decade. QatarEnergy and Shell have jointly delivered two of the largest energy projects in the world in Ras Laffan Industrial City. Pearl Gas to Liquids (GTL) is the world’s largest GTL plant and cements Qatar’s position as the GTL capital of the world. At an investment of up to USD19 billion it represents the largest single investment in the Shell Group’s global portfolio.
The Qatargas 4 Liquefied Natural Gas project (QE (70%) and Shell (30%) combines Shell’s global leadership in LNG with Qatar’s position as the world’s largest LNG supplier.
Shell has established a world-class research and development facility and a learning centre, the Qatar Shell Research & Technology Centre, at the Qatar Science & Technology Park. Shell has a financial commitment to invest up to USD100 million on programmes in support of energy and the environment at the Centre over a 10-year period.
Qatar Shell contributes to the objectives of the Qatar National Vision 2030 not only through our economic investments, but also through our investments in national talent and capability development, both internally through the professional development of our Qatari employees, and externally through our extensive Corporate Social Responsibility programme, positively impacting Qatar, in partnership with Qatari institutions.
For more information please visit: www.shell.com.qa, and to learn how we #ImpactQatar please follow us on Twitter: @Shell_Qatar and Instagram: shellqatar
About Texas A&M University at Qatar
Texas A&M University, recognized as having one of the premier engineering programs in the world, has offered undergraduate degrees in chemical, electrical, mechanical and petroleum engineering at Qatar Foundation’s Education City campus since 2003, and graduate courses in chemical engineering since fall 2011. Texas A&M at Qatar has awarded more than 635 degrees since 2007. In addition to engineering courses, Texas A&M at Qatar provides classes in science, mathematics, liberal arts and the humanities. All four of the engineering programs offered at Texas A&M at Qatar are accredited by ABET. The curricula offered at Texas A&M at Qatar are materially identical to those offered at the main campus in College Station, Texas, and courses are taught in English in a co-educational setting. The reputation for excellence is the same, as is the commitment to equip engineers to lead the next generation of engineering advancement. Faculty from around the world are attracted to Texas A&M at Qatar to provide this educational experience and to participate in research activities now valued at over $224 million, and that address issues important to the State of Qatar. Visit www.qatar.tamu.edu.