Hema Energy, through its alternative energy arm X2E LLC, has initiated a trial cultivation of Camelina sativa in Oman, marking a pioneering effort in green energy and sustainable agriculture in the region. This initiative is a collaboration with ARA Petroleum LLC and represents a significant step forward in the company’s commitment to climate-smart solutions.

Azzan Moghrob Rashid al Asmy, Group Managing Director of Hema Energy and General Manager for Oman, UAE & KSA, stated in an interview with the Oman Daily Observer that this trial is the first of its kind in the region. He explained that the motivation behind the project is to create a full-cycle model that ensures zero waste while establishing a sustainable feedstock source for biofuels. Al Asmy highlighted Camelina sativa as a suitable choice, noting its hardiness and short life cycle, along with its potential to produce up to 40% oil by weight, making it ideal for renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel production.

The trial is being conducted under a formal agreement signed earlier this year between Hema Energy and ARA Petroleum. Dr. Omar al Jaidi, Vice President of ARA, and Azzan al Asmy signed the contract on behalf of their organizations. The trial is hosted on land provided by ARA, which is also supplying water and financial support for the project.

Al Asmy emphasized the critical nature of this partnership, stating that ARA not only provided the land and water but also committed to co-fund the trial. This collaboration is seen as a crucial step toward achieving tangible outcomes beyond mere memorandums of understanding.

The Camelina project aligns with Hema Energy’s broader strategy, known as “the greener barrel,” which focuses on maximizing reuse and minimizing waste. Hema’s biofuel facility has been operational since 2021, and the company now aims to incorporate Camelina into its portfolio as a local source of bio-based feedstock. Al Asmy remarked, “Everything we do under our X2E unit revolves around converting waste into opportunity,” highlighting their approach to treating produced water from oil fields and exploring its usage for Camelina cultivation.

The environmental implications of the project are notable, as it aims to reduce dependence on fossil feedstocks and aligns with Oman’s national goals for water reuse. Hema Energy is also in discussions with Nama Group to investigate the use of treated municipal wastewater for future Camelina plantations.

Despite the promising outlook, challenges persist. Al Asmy pointed out that the main obstacle is not climate-related but rather the need for coordination among various government bodies. He noted, “We see wastewater reuse as a matter of national security, but aligning various government bodies on this issue remains a critical bottleneck.”

The company remains optimistic as the trial phase progresses, which will help determine Camelina’s adaptability to Oman’s arid climate, similar to the plant’s native environment. While the current trial does not involve other stakeholders, the Environmental Authority has been informed due to the project’s innovative nature. If successful, Hema Energy plans to expand Camelina cultivation near oilfields and other wastewater sources, with potential future initiatives abroad.

Al Asmy concluded, “Assuming the pilot delivers good results, we’re looking at scaling up in Oman and even exploring less climate-challenged environments like parts of Africa.” This initiative is viewed not only as a trial but also as a blueprint for sustainable energy and agriculture working in tandem.

Through this project, Hema Energy solidifies its position as a regional leader in sustainable innovation, blending technical agility with a commitment to environmental responsibility.