Muscat: In a significant step towards fostering innovation and promoting environmental sustainability, Sohar Freezone has officially launched the "Blue Harvest" pilot project.
This initiative aims to cultivate Elephant Grass (Miscanthus) across an area of 2,000 square meters, focusing on generating renewable raw materials through sustainable agricultural methods. The project highlights Sohar Freezone's dedication to developing innovative solutions that are in line with Oman Vision 2040 and contribute to long-term sustainability objectives.
"Blue Harvest" represents a groundbreaking effort in implementing the circular economy in Oman, with the intention of producing Miscanthus fibers for applications in 3D-printable concrete and bioplastics intended for indoor construction materials. Furthermore, the project is instrumental in mitigating CO2 emissions, capturing 44 tons of CO2 per hectare each year. From the beginning, the Embassy of the Netherlands in Muscat has been a strong advocate for this initiative.
The project exemplifies successful collaboration among various local and international stakeholders. It includes a partnership with Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands, which leads the project with its expertise in sustainable agriculture, alongside local institutions such as Sohar University, Sultan Qaboos University, and the German University of Technology, in conjunction with the ELAF Technology Center. Additional key partners comprise Dutch companies like Vybrant, which conceptualized the project, Dealin Green, responsible for supplying the plants, and Royal Eijkelkamp, which specializes in soil and water monitoring as well as AI-driven solutions.
Emile Hoogsteden, CEO of Sohar Port, expressed pride in the collaboration with various local and international partners to realize this ambitious initiative. He emphasized that Blue Harvest signifies a substantial advancement in advancing the circular economy in Oman. This project not only highlights our dedication to sustainability but also plays a crucial role in creating innovative solutions aimed at enhancing soil and water quality while addressing the challenges posed by climate change in the area. We are eager to broaden this initiative into more economically viable applications, further establishing Sohar Freezone as a premier destination for sustainable investment.
This project also represents a pivotal achievement in facilitating knowledge exchange between Oman and the Netherlands, concentrating on the development of sustainable practices in agriculture and construction, optimizing water resources, and enhancing soil quality in the region.
