MUSCAT: A landmark bid to decarbonize Oman’s aviation sector gets underway next week with the hosting of a high-profile forum that will also explore the potential for the production of low carbon aviation fuels (LCAF) and sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) in the Sultanate of Oman.
The two-day ‘Forum of Innovation Support in Sustainable and Low-Carbon Aviation Fuel and Clean Energy in the Civil Aviation Sector’ has been organised by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of the Sultanate of Oman. The opening will be held under the auspices of Eng Salim bin Nasser al Aufi, Minister of Energy and Minerals, on October 10, 2023.
Underscoring Oman’s commitment to decarbonizing the aviation sector, CAA President Naif Ali al Abri said: “The Sultanate of Oman, represented by the Civil Aviation Authority, has submitted the National Action Plan for CO2 Emissions Reduction from the International Civil Aviation Sector to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This plan is a long-term national strategy that outlines the expected emission of CO2 from the sector, and the mitigation measures that can be taken in Oman to reduce those emissions, thereby contributing to achieving the net-zero goal in the country.” He further added: “From this standpoint, in order to promote the deployment and development of sustainable alternative aviation fuels, the Innovation Support Forum for Sustainable and Low-Carbon Aviation Fuels and Clean Energies seeks to enhance our general understanding of sustainable and low-carbon aviation fuels and clean energies, and their role in addressing the impact of civil aviation activities on the environment and climate. It also aims to identify the current status and future potential related to the production of sustainable and low-carbon aviation fuels in Oman.” Low Carbon Aviation Fuels (LCAF) and Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) are seen as alternative fuels that can achieve a halving of CO2 emissions associated with conventional fossil-based jet fuel. SAF is regarded as a renewable aviation fuel produced from waste cooking oil, biomass, organic waste or CO2 from carbon capture processes. LCAF, on the other hand, is fossil-based fuel produced using processes that meet with sustainability criteria.
Significantly, key officials representing the green energy sector will outline opportunities for the production of SAF and LCAF in Oman. Various presentations during the forum will also explore investment opportunities for the establishment of dedicated refineries and plants for the production of green aviation fuels.
A number of leading international alternative energy players, airlines, plane manufacturers, R&D institutions and think-tanks will be taking part as presenters or panelists. The list includes the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Boeing, Airbus and SkyNRG, among others.
Taking part from Oman are the Ministry of Energy and Minerals, OQ Group, Petroleum Development Oman, Hydrom, Oman Airports, Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), Oman Air, SalamAir, be’ah, Nama Group, Wakud, 44.01 and X2E.
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