HutanBio and Utopia partner on algae-based biofuel project in Oman

UK-based biofuel company HutanBio has partnered with bioenergy firm Utopia to develop large-scale production of algae-based biofuels in Oman for sectors including bunkering.

IMAGE: Illustration of HutanBio’s algae-based biofuel production site. HutanBio

The partnership aims to commercialise and expand biofuel production using HutanBio’s algae-based oil technology in Oman. The country was selected due to its high solar radiation, extensive coastline and access to saline water, which together create favourable conditions for coastal aquaculture and algae cultivation.

The country’s established oil and gas infrastructure also played a key role in the decision. Existing oil tanks, trucks and terminals could mean that the companies do not have to develop completely new infrastructure to move the biofuel around.

HutanBio has developed a carbon-negative algae oil that can be stored, pumped and combusted in a manner similar to gasoil. Meanwhile, Utopia is the majority shareholder of Wakud International, which owns and operates a biodiesel refinery in Oman.

Under the agreement, Wakud will serve as an offtaker while both companies scale up operations in parallel, supporting the domestic production and use of algae-based biofuels.

The first production site is expected to be deployed in late 2027.

The companies have not disclosed additional project details, including production capacity.

By Tuhin Roy

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