Muscat: In a first-of-its-kind experiment in the world, a team of researchers at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) trialled a bus powered by biodiesel from dates kernels on Monday. The Mwasalat bus's journey started from the Sultan Qaboos University Cultural Center in Al Khoudh, which continued to Sultan Qaboos Street, the Al Alam Palace, and then back to the starting point. The biofuel was produced in the laboratories of SQU.
The bus was flagged off by His Highness Sayyid Dr Fahd bin Al Julanda al Said, Vice Chairman of SQU, in the presence of Eng Khamis bin Mohammed al Shamaki, Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology for Transport, and officials.
The Vice Chairman of the University expressed his happiness with this achievement, pointing out that it translates the importance of cooperation between scientific research institutions, and the government and private sectors to transforming knowledge into viable commercial projects that will help to reach zero carbon neutrality by 2050.
Al Shamaki said that this achievement coincides with the government's initiatives to shift towards renewable energy, as the transport sector accounts for a large part of carbon emissions.
The project started in 2015 with the aim of finding highly efficient method to extract maximum amount of date kernel oil that can be used to power diesel vehicles.
The project will contribute to achieving zero carbon neutrality, finding renewable and sustainable sources that support creating opportunities for economic and social growth, and achieving a balance between sustainable development and limiting the consequences of climate change.
It will also helps to create a diverse mix of renewable energy sources based on providing energy needs in line with the indicators of Oman Vision 2040 .
The project comprised Dr Lamia bint Adnan al Hajiyah, Associate Professor at the College of Science; and Dr Alia bint Hamid al Muhtasib, Deputy Director of Sustainable Energy Research Centre at SQU.
Oman Observer is now on the WhatsApp channel. Click here
