26-05-2025
Omani Youth Innovate with Sustainable Solution to Salty Water Waste
As the world seeks cleaner, more sustainable energy sources amid escalating environmental and economic challenges, Omani young minds are once again demonstrating their remarkable ingenuity. From Nizwa in the Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, 17-year-old student Mubeen bin Musa Al Daghari of Abu Ubaidah Boys School has devised an innovative device to turn salty household water waste into valuable sources of energy and fertiliser.
Mubeen's inspiration stemmed from an everyday observation: the salty water discarded after household water filtration. Instead of dismissing this as waste, he saw an opportunity to transform it into a rich resource. The result is a compact, user-friendly device, smaller than half a traditional gas cylinder, which runs entirely on renewable energy and requires no mains electricity.
Omani Youth Innovate with Sustainable Solution to Salty Water Waste
Using electrolysis, the device splits saltwater into green hydrogen, one of the most potent and flexible fuels available today. Its energy output surpasses that of conventional cooking gas by eight times and is five times more powerful than typical automotive fuel. The hydrogen produced is then used to generate high-efficiency electricity via fuel cell technology, further boosting its versatility.
Beyond energy, the device also produces organic fertiliser, which can promote plant growth or be sold as an additional economic resource—offering both environmental and financial benefits. Safety was a paramount concern during development; hydrogen is ignited directly within the device without dangerous storage, minimising explosion risks. Built with durability in mind, the device features an outer casing made from low-cost, heat- and oxidation-resistant sheet metal, capable of withstanding drops from up to two and a half metres. Equipped with advanced sensors, it constantly monitors temperature, humidity, gas, and water levels to ensure safe operation. What makes Mubeen's invention particularly exciting is that it is still evolving. He is working on integrating remote controls, downsizing for greater portability, and expanding potential applications—such as hints at future use in hydrogen-powered vehicles.
Omani Youth Innovate with Sustainable Solution to Salty Water Waste
Addressing Critical Environmental Challenges
Mubeen's invention tackles multiple pressing environmental issues head-on, aligning with international sustainability goals. One key challenge it directly addresses is water pollution and wastage. Household filtration systems often generate saline, salty water as a by-product—waste that, if unmanaged, can contaminate soil and waterways, contributing to ecological imbalance. By converting this saline water into usable energy and fertiliser, Mubeen's device reduces environmental pollution while promoting resource reuse.
Furthermore, the device offers a sustainable energy solution that cuts reliance on fossil fuels. Hydrogen, considered the clean fuel of the future, produces zero emissions when used in fuel cells. Its adoption worldwide is seen as a crucial step towards reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The device's ability to produce green hydrogen from everyday household waste exemplifies innovative recycling, a cornerstone of global efforts to promote a circular economy and reduce environmental footprint.
At a broader level, this invention resonates with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, particularly goals 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), and 13 (Climate Action). It exemplifies how grassroots technological innovation can contribute to a resilient and sustainable future, especially in regions facing energy shortages, high costs, or environmental degradation.
Omani Youth Innovate with Sustainable Solution to Salty Water Waste
Innovations in Middle Eastern and Global Technologies
Mubeen's invention is part of a larger wave of renewable energy innovations sweeping the Middle East and beyond. The region has historically relied heavily on fossil fuels; however, increasing awareness of climate impacts and energy security concerns have driven investments in renewable solutions.
In the Middle East, countries like the UAE have established large-scale projects such as Masdar City, aiming for zero-carbon emissions and pioneering solar and hydrogen energy. Similarly, Saudi Arabia's NEOM project envisions a futuristic, sustainable city powered by green hydrogen and renewable energy — exemplifying regional commitment to technological innovation in sustainability.
Globally, advances in electrolysis technology have gained momentum, with governments and corporations investing heavily to scale up green hydrogen production. Countries such as Germany, Japan, and Australia are leading efforts to develop infrastructure, aiming to make hydrogen a key component of their clean energy portfolios. Projects like the European Union's Hydrogen Strategy aim to integrate hydrogen into industrial, transportation, and domestic energy systems, mirroring Mubeen's vision of versatile, household-level solutions.
What sets Mubeen's invention apart is its practicality and localisation—focusing on household waste streams often ignored by large-scale projects. His device embodies a community-centric approach, demonstrating that sustainable innovation can start at the grassroots level and gradually scale up.
Omani Youth Innovate with Sustainable Solution to Salty Water Waste
A Bright Future for Young Innovators
Mubeen's achievement exemplifies how local ingenuity can contribute to global environmental efforts. His invention is a tangible demonstration of the kind of sustainable solutions needed to tackle climate change and resource scarcity. It also highlights the potential impact of empowering youth to think creatively about practical problems facing their communities and the environment.
Looking ahead, the continued development of such technologies holds promise for transforming households across the Middle East and beyond. By integrating renewable energy solutions into everyday life, young innovators like Mubeen are paving the way for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future—one household, one community at a time.
As nations worldwide strive to meet ambitious climate goals, the ingenuity of young minds — supported by strong policies and education systems — will play a pivotal role. Mubeen's story is a powerful reminder that the future of renewable energy and environmental stewardship lies in the hands of tomorrow's innovators.
