Nama Water, the state-owned water and wastewater utility serving most of Oman, is exploring the feasibility of generating biogas from sewage sludge as part of a Waste-to-Energy initiative to support the country's Net Zero objectives, reports Zawya. This initiative aligns with Oman's 2040 Vision for sustainability and is part of a broader effort by energy and public sector organizations to promote a circular economy.
Various related initiatives, including power generation from municipal waste, flare-to-power, biogas and biomass power, biofuels from used cooking oil, and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) from agri-oils, are currently in different stages of development.
Nama Water's Waste-to-Energy initiative focuses on the use of anaerobic digestion processes to generate biogas. This approach has the potential to facilitate the production of environmentally friendly aviation fuels like Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and Low-Carbon Aviation Fuel (LCAF). He said
Dr Intisar al Sulaimi, Chief Process Engineer at Nama Water, emphasized the cost-effectiveness of this Waste-to-Energy concept during a recent Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) forum held by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) in Muscat. The initiative is seen as a practical solution to address environmental and public health concerns linked to wastewater.
Currently, Nama Water is conducting a feasibility study to assess the financial and technical aspects of using anaerobic digestion for biogas production from sewage sludge. Simultaneously, the utility is developing a sludge management strategy that will help identify suitable sewage treatment plants for implementing this technology. The strategy is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
The production of biogas and other biofuels from wastewater also offers a new source of revenue for Nama Water. Nama Water operates about 60 sewage treatment facilities across Oman, with a combined capacity of more than 300,000 m3/day, covering the entire country except Dhofar Governorate.
