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From fries to fuel, Oman’s transition to green fuels

21 Dec 2021 By OUR CORRESPONDENT

Muscat – As crude oil prices surge in the Middle East, biofuels could be a strong contender for trucks, ships, buses and cars in the region and Wakud – Oman’s first biodiesel plant, is set to scale up commercial production and sale of local biodiesel.

Wakud’s plant, located in Khazaen Economic City, utilises locally collected cooking oil, turning waste into biodiesel. With more biofuel providers coming into the picture in the Middle East, there is an increase in market share.

Biodiesel is already a significant source of alternative fuel in other parts of the world, including the US, UK and Europe.

“We are very excited to launch commercial operations and to see Omani biodiesel consumed within Oman. If Wakud’s biodiesel replaces even a small proportion of the diesel consumed within Oman, it will have a tremendous impact on Oman’s carbon emissions while also retaining economic value within the sultanate,” said, Maher al Habsi, CEO of Wakud International.

The facility represents the future of sustainable fuels in Oman. “Khazaen Economic City is proud of managing to attract Wakud as the first SME and supporting them in bringing a world class biodiesel plant to Oman,” said Salim al Duhli, CEO of Khazaen Economic City.

“This facility represents the future of sustainable fuels in Oman and Wakud’s biodiesel can be used by consumers and organisations as a green and environmentally friendly product produced at Khazaen Economic City,” he added.

Wakud has a growing local client base with new partners Oman Truck, 44.01 and Masirah International committing to sustainable power for their operations this year.

Biofuels are a powerful tool that can power vehicles sustainably, helping the country’s work towards decarbonisation. The use of biodiesel can reduce carbon emissions by up to 85 per cent without changes or modifications to standard diesel engines.

In addition, Wakud’s biodiesel can be used as a blend (ten per cent to 20 per cent) which results in a significant emissions reduction.

Maximising the availability of biofuel will help to reach Oman’s decarbonising goals in line with the Paris Climate Agreement and Oman Vision 2040.

The plant has the capacity to produce 7.2mn ltr of biodiesel per year.

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