Organic Waste to Energy: Enhancing Biodigester Efficiency in Oman for Sustainable Development

Organic waste presents a significant environmental and economic opportunity for renewable energy generation through anaerobic digestion. This study investigates the optimization of biodigester systems tailored to Oman’s unique climatic conditions and waste characteristics. Using a mixed-methods approach that integrates experimental data from 30-day monitoring with simulated scenarios, the study evaluates five feedstock types, namely food waste, agricultural residues, livestock manure, mixed organic waste, and food and crop waste, together with three pretreatment methods: mechanical, thermal, and chemical. The findings demonstrate that thermal pretreatment enhances biogas yield by up to 25–30%, while food waste and food and crop waste achieve the highest methane contents of 65% and 64%, respectively. Modeled environmental and economic analyses indicate potential benefits, including up to a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, a 90% waste diversion rate, payback periods of 2–2.5 years for high-yield feedstocks, and net economic returns exceeding 30%. Simulated data further highlight the potential of co-digestion, system adaptations for arid climates, and real-time monitoring technologies to enhance biodigester performance. The study aligns with Oman Vision 2040 by providing practical insights into sustainable waste management and renewable energy integration. By addressing technical, environmental, and economic dimensions, this research offers a scalable and replicable model for advancing biodigester systems in Oman.