Oman pilot project to grow crop for biofuels

Nama Water Services has launched a pilot project to cultivate Camelina (Camelina sativa), one of the leading sustainable crops used in biofuel production.

The initiative, in partnership with Hema Energy, forms part of the company’s commitment to environmental sustainability, supporting green economy goals and expanding the use of reclaimed water supplied under the Manhal Nama programme.

The project reflects Nama Water Services’ strategy to transform reclaimed water into a strategic resource that supports sustainable development through innovative agricultural applications.

It aims to strengthen water and food security, reduce carbon emissions and accelerate the transition to clean energy sources.

Under the partnership, Nama Water Services will provide the project site and reclaimed water supplies, while Hema Energy will be responsible for implementing the project, overseeing its technical management and operations, carrying out monitoring and data analysis in line with the highest technical and environmental standards.

The project is supported by several national institutions. Sultan Qaboos University will provide research, scientific and technical support, the Environment Authority will oversee environmental compliance, and the Oman Net Zero Centre (ONZC) will ensure alignment with Oman’s net zero targets and carbon sink initiatives.

The pilot project will assess Camelina’s agricultural performance under local climatic conditions, improve irrigation efficiency using treated water, monitor soil and water quality, measure environmental benefits and evaluate its potential for biofuel production and carbon credit generation.

The findings are expected to support decisions on expanding the commercial use of treated water for agriculture and contribute to the development of sustainable value chains for biomass and renewable energy production in the Sultanate of Oman.

This is an unofficial English version of an Arabic report. To view the official Arabic text, click here.