•  In its 35th edition, the conference discusses achieving carbon neutrality.

•  The three-day conference reviews the latest technologies, solutions, and green transformation approaches.

The activities of the AFA international technical conference and accompanying exhibition, in its 35th edition, began today, Tuesday, under the patronage of His Excellency Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources. The conference, which is organized by the Arab Fertilizer Association, takes place from October 17th to 19th, 2023, at Kempinski Hotel, In Muscat, Oman, with the participation of more than 500 Arab and International companies, equipment and technology suppliers, and other research institutes and related companies.

His Excellency Dr. Saud bin Hamoud Al Habsi, Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, clarified that the production and export of fertilizers are significant processes to the Sultanate of Oman, as OMIFCO exports its products to various countries across the world. He stated that the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources follows the directives of Zero Carbon Neutrality and emissions control. He added that the Ministry works along with companies investing in this sector.

The Conference began with a speech delivered by His Excellency Dr. Ahmed Al-Bakri, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources for Agriculture. His Excellency stated that the directives of His Majesty Sultan Haitham bin Tarik direct the adoption of the year 2050 to reach Zero Neutrality in the Sultanate of Oman, and the establishment of “Oman Sustainability Center”, which will ensure the implementation of the initiatives and projects of the National Plan for Carbon Neutrality. The center will also work on following up with achieving the target percentages of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. His Excellency indicated that chemical fertilizers emissions amount to 12%, therefore, the utilization of modern technologies to improve the quality of fertilizers and to limit their use is a must.

The Chemist Saad Abou Elmaaty, Secretary General of the Arab Fertilizer Association, affirmed that this years’ conference focuses on the operation mechanisms that preserve the sustainability of the environment, reduce carbon emissions and energy consumption of the fertilizer industry, and create future visions towards green transformation. He clarified that fertilizers manufacturing is a pivotal pillar of food security and agricultural production.

Engineer Mohamed Tahar Heouaine, Chairman of the Arab Fertilizer Association, clarified in his speech that the adoption of efficient and clear strategies that seek to reduce greenhouse gas emissions; requires the utilization of the available eco-friendly solutions and modern technologies, in order to reach Zero Carbon Neutrality, through gradual scientific steps.

From his side, Engineer Abdulhakim bin Abdullah, President of the National Program for Carbon Neutrality, reviewed the benefits of achieving the objectives of carbon neutrality, and the national goals set to be reached by 2030. He also clarified the transformation of the Sultanate of Oman towards zero carbon neutrality.

Reaching Zero Carbon Neutrality

This year, the conference aims to discuss the latest technological developments, digital solutions, and green transformation methods, under the slogan “The Path to Net Zero.” It also discusses effective solutions to reduce and capture carbon from fertilizer factories of all kinds, the latest innovative trends in green ammonia technology, modern solutions for producing highly efficient blue hydrogen, emissions control, energy conservation initiatives, clean energy trends, water treatment, and introducing emission-free phosphate fertilizers. The conference concludes with a special session on supply and demand, with the participation of major international companies, senior speakers, international experts, and those working in the field of fertilizer manufacturing and production technology.

The conference comes in line with the vision of the Arab Fertilizer Association, and efforts of the Sultanate of Oman towards sustainability, keeping pace with the global shift towards renewable energy, and adopting modern technology to reduce emissions, while preserving natural resources to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.

A technical exhibition accompanying the conference was inaugurated, to allow the participating companies to display their products and services, and to showcase the latest technologies and equipment relevant to the fertilizers industry. The exhibition provides various modern solutions to the Omani market.