Groundbreaking ceremony marks launch of Blue Harvest pilot project in Oman

Blue Harvest cultivates elephant grass (miscanthus) using sustainable agricultural practices on over 2,000 square metres to produce renewable raw materials. The project aims to use miscanthus fibres in 3D-printable concrete and bioplastics for indoor construction materials. In doing so, it directly supports Oman Vision 2040’s sustainability goals while supporting climate resilience and the circular economy. Notably, miscanthus cultivation captures 44 tonnes of CO2 per hectare per year, significantly reducing carbon emissions.

Dutch-Omani collaboration driving innovation

The Blue Harvest project highlights the fruitful collaboration between Omani and Dutch research institutions, companies, and governmental bodies. NWP member Wageningen University & Research is leading the initiative, bringing expertise in sustainable agriculture, while local universities such as Sohar University, Sultan Qaboos University, and the German University of Technology participate through the ELAF Technology Center. Dutch companies such as Vybrant, which created the concept, Dealin Green, which supplies the plants, and NWP member Royal Eijkelkamp, which specialises in soil and water monitoring, are key contributors.

The seeds for this initiative were sown during the mission programme to Oman in March 2023, which facilitated collaboration between Dutch and Omani stakeholders, ultimately leading to the launch of Blue Harvest. The Embassy of the Netherlands in Muscat has been a steadfast supporter of the project from its inception.

Natural approach

WUR project leader Remco Kranendonk explaining the objective: “We have created ideal conditions to test a nature based solution to salinisation and flooding, combining local expertise and innovative technologies to produce biobased products.”

Alfred Geitenbeek of Royal Eijkelkamp adds that the project presents a unique opportunity to demonstrate a natural approach to crucial water challenges, such as the storage of scarce freshwater, the reduction of soil salinisation, and the improvement of soil structure. By working with local and international partners, the consortium aims to showcase innovative and effective methods for sustainable water use.

Geitenbeek states “Validating these assumptions with accurate data is essential. Royal Eijkelkamp provides the necessary instrumentation to measure soil moisture levels, salinity values, and temperature, correlated with meteorological data. These insights are integrated into our data portal, enabling researchers to make informed decisions and reliably monitor progress throughout the project.” For Royal Eijkelkamp, this is an excellent opportunity to establish a reference project in Oman, demonstrating their expertise in soil and water research.

Geitenbeek concludes: “We believe that Oman is a promising market for our water management concepts. Our participation in this pilot, alongside our partners and with the support of the Dutch Embassy, aligns with our broader goal of contributing to sustainable water solutions in the region. Participating in events, such as the NWP mission to Oman Water Week in April this year, further strengthen this collaboration and open doors for future opportunities. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on water management in Oman and beyond!”

Towards a sustainable future: Plant fibres for sustainable building

Blue Harvest is aligned with broader policy objectives across the Arabian Peninsula, including Oman Vision 2040 and sustainability goals in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. The project serves as a demonstrator for sustainable food security, smart water management, and climate resilience. Plants like elephant grass have already undergone successful trials at the Sultan Qaboos University Fieldlab, demonstrating their potential for large-scale applications.

The initiative also explores the use of wastewater by-products (sludge) in circular construction, and using plant fibres for 3D printable concrete and bioplastics for sustainable building materials.

Scalable and adaptable model

The collaboration aims at joint knowledge development on cultivating a new fibre crop as a natural solution in addressing the effects of climate change (drought, heat stress, heavy rainfall and salinisation) in a practical demonstration; and, creating a Nature Based Garden with a practical testing environment focused on optimising innovation (production system) as well as finding partners interested in application and scaling. It targets partners from the circular bio-based chain as well as investors, and generates interest in other similar projects and potential initiatives in the broader region.

This makes the project not only relevant to the specific situation in the Gulf region but also valuable as a scalable and adaptable model for other areas facing similar ecological and agricultural challenges.

Netherlands Pavilion at Oman Water Week 2025

The 2023 mission to Oman was part of the Oman Strategic Taskforce on Water programme. Over the years, the Taskforce’s activities have presented the Dutch water sector excellent opportunities for networking, exchanging ideas and experiences, exploring opportunities for cooperation, and developing a better understanding of the water market in Oman. The next stop will be Oman Water Week from 7-10 April 2025 in Muscat, Oman.

Are you interested in exploring business opportunities in Oman, the UAE and the Gulf region? Or in further expanding your presence? Then team up with other organisations in water supply, wastewater treatment, desalination, water distribution, saline water intrusion, and renewable energy for the mission programme to Oman Water Week 2025. More information is available in our calendar of events. If you have any questions feel free to contact Marieke Leenhouts at NWP.