The project for the development of a biogas plant in the Sultanate of Oman stands out for the adoption of advanced technologies and tailor-made solutions designed to meet the needs of the local context. The plant is designed to treat up to 50,000 tons of biodegradable waste per year, primarily consisting of organic waste from selective collection, with the aim of converting it into biogas, electricity, and high-quality compost.

The design approach involves an integrated structure where both wet anaerobic digestion, implemented at Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), and dry anaerobic digestion with plug-flow digesters, developed at the German University of Technology (GuTech), coexist. These plants, designed to operate synergistically, are connected by an advanced logistics system that enables the optimal transfer and processing of pretreated fractions. The solution adopted not only maximizes energy efficiency but also ensures a sustainable and integrated waste management system.

The technologies used include hydraulic presses for waste separation and pretreatment, digesters equipped with heating and insulation systems to maintain optimal mesophilic conditions, and a cogeneration plant that allows the simultaneous production of electricity and heat. The biogas produced is purified and used to power local energy systems, significantly contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and providing a sustainable solution for the treatment of municipal solid waste. Furthermore, the digestate produced during anaerobic digestion is transformed into high-quality compost through aerobic biocells, making the plant an example of a circular economy.

The project was characterized by a multidisciplinary approach, integrating technical and economic feasibility studies, geological analyses, and environmental assessments. This work has created a replicable model capable of addressing local waste management needs while promoting technological innovation and academic development in the renewable energy sector, laying the foundation for a more efficient use of resources in the Omani context.