UK-based biotechnology company HutanBio has partnered with Oman’s Utopia World Investment to develop what the companies see as a major new production hub for algae-based sustainable fuels.
The project will centre on commercial deployment of HutanBio’s algae oil technology, with Oman’s Wakud refinery expected to support future fuel production as the initiative scales.
The companies are targeting long-term demand from both the maritime and aviation sectors, with the first deployment phase planned for 2027.
HutanBio said Oman offers ideal conditions for algae cultivation because of its high solar exposure, coastline access and availability of saline water, while existing refining infrastructure could help accelerate commercial fuel production.
The project also aligns with Oman’s wider strategy to expand low-carbon industries and diversify its economy under Vision 2040.
HutanBio CEO Manshu Agarwal described Oman as “perhaps the single best place on Earth” for scaling algae-based fuel production because of its climate, infrastructure and geopolitical position.
