Breakthrough innovation: National University of Science and Technology (NU) trio turns palm waste into circular green aluminium

Three students from the National University of Science and Technology (NU), Oman—Al Yaqeen Amur Asuti, Reem Ahmed al Qassabi, and Ahamed al Awad—have developed an innovative device that converts palm waste into circular green aluminium. Their project, titled ‘Green Initiative for Utilising Omani Palm Waste to Produce Circular Green Aluminium’, marks a groundbreaking step toward fostering a zero-waste, sustainable economy in Oman.

Story behind the initiative

Dr Shabib al Rashdi, the project’s supervisor, explained that the initiative stemmed from the urgent need to address Oman’s agricultural waste challenge, particularly the substantial waste generated by palm trees. Launched two years ago, this project aligns with Oman’s Vision 2040 and sustainability goals, presenting an eco-friendly solution to agricultural waste management.

The project focuses on extracting lignin from palm waste, which is then integrated with commercial aluminium to create a more sustainable, recyclable, and environmentally friendly material. As one of Oman’s pioneering zero-waste technology initiatives, it represents a significant step forward in resource innovation.

About the project

The project is projected to produce 800 tonnes of circular green aluminium annually upon completion. The next phase includes manufacturing the device in China and conducting trials at the Waste Research Laboratory in Oman, establishing the project as a leader in transforming waste into valuable resources. The initiative promotes sustainability by addressing key environmental challenges while incorporating renewable energy into the recycling process. This approach reduces carbon emissions and supports the advancement of green industry practices.

Challenges faced

Despite significant progress, the project faced several challenges, including technical hurdles in adapting recycling technologies, logistical difficulties in collecting palm waste from remote areas, and a lack of initial expertise. However, the team overcame these obstacles through innovative approaches and international collaborations. Their dedication was rewarded with first place in the Ministry of Higher Education, Research, and Innovation’s Upgrade Competition 2024 and third place in the We Are Oman Competition 2024.

Looking ahead, the team plans to scale up operations to recycle larger quantities of palm waste, creating job opportunities in rural communities and fostering environmental awareness. They aim to inspire industries to embrace sustainable practices, aligning with Oman Vision 2040 by advancing the circular economy and supporting a low-carbon, sustainable future.