Bio-energy production can be a reality in Oman, according to a feasibility study being carried out by associate researchers from the College of Agricultural and Marine Sciences, Sultan Qaboos University.
Ahmed Salim al Busaidi and Mushtaque Ahmed have been looking for plants that can be grown in Oman as sources of renewable energy and can sustain under Omani conditions. The duo has zeroed in on Jatropha curcas.
"Bio-diesel production has become a booming business. The oil produced from Jatropha curcas seeds can be easily converted to liquid bio-fuel which meets American and European standards," said Busaidi.
The jatropha tree's adaptability to conditions in Oman was thoroughly tested. Four kilograms of seeds were received from the Central Salt & Marine Chemicals Research Institute, India. "The study has investigated the ability of this plant to grow and survive in Oman's heat, water and salinity stresses," said Busaidi.
He said the plant can prevent and control soil erosion and can be used to reclaim waste land. It is an excellent bio-fuel crop with many advantages. It grows almost anywhere, even in gravel, sandy and saline soils.
"The plant is drought and pest-resistant, and produces seeds containing upto 40 per cent oil. The oil can be processed to produce a high-quality bio-diesel that can be used in a standard diesel car, while the residue can be processed into biomass to power electricity plants," said Busaidi.
The plant begins yielding oil from the second year, for 40 or 50 years. "All we need now is investment and government approval for a largescale project," Busaidi said.
© Muscat Daily 2011
