Renaissance Services provides Omani biodiesel producer Wakud with used cooking oil

‍

Thomas, left, and Al Habsi (Photo: Renaissance Services)

In alignment with the Sultanate’s 2050 net-zero target, Renaissance Services, a leading Omani accommodation, services-solutions and integrated facilities-management provider has joined forces with local biodiesel producer Wakud, Renaissance announced Oct. 31.

The collaboration involves conversion of used cooking oil (UCO) from Renaissance’s industrial-scale central kitchens into biodiesel at Wakud’s state-of-the art facility in Khazaen Industrial City.

The partnership was initiated earlier this year by sending more than 9,000 liters (2,378 gallons) of UCO to the Khazaen facility to be converted into biodiesel.

Both partners plan to increase recycling of cooking oil in the coming months.

Biodiesel, which can be used in the industrial and transportation sectors, has an efficiency similar to petroleum-based diesel and notably reduces emissions of major pollutants like particulate matter as well as carbon dioxide.

Typically, it can help in cutting carbon emissions by as much as 88 percent compared to fossil fuels.

However, for biodiesel produced at Wakud, the company said carbon reduction can be as high as 93 percent since all the energy needs of the entire facility are sourced from renewable solar power.

‍

“We are pleased to partner with Wakud in line with the pillar of ‘Sustainable Environment’ envisioned by Oman Vision 2040 and the Sultanate’s net-zero commitments, as recycling of UCO is one of the ways in which our net-zero ambition and related targets can be achieved,” said Stephen Thomas, CEO of Renaissance Services. “Our growing collaboration with innovative Omani [small and medium enterprises] like Wakud represents a significant step forward in reducing environmental impact and fostering a greener future for people in Oman, in line with our ‘safe, efficient, green and local’ company ethos.”

Maher Al Habsi, the managing director of Wakud, added, “We are delighted to partner with Renaissance Services to convert UCO from the company’s operations in Oman into biodiesel, thereby increasing fuel efficiency, reducing carbon and minimizing the release of dangerous pollutants like NOx and sulfur compounds. By partnering with other business and residential customers, we are confident of contributing to the goal of having a green and circular economy that addresses national needs and develops in line with global trends.”

Renaissance said it is committed to sustainability and continuous improvements across its operations, services and performance.

“By engaging with local communities and businesses, Renaissance strives to encourage sustainable practices and drive synergies with local [businesses] in Oman,” the company stated.