CNE and Sunbird Bioenergy sign MoU for the construction of biorefineries in Zimbabwe and Zambia
It is not usual that
the blog can bring news coming from Africa. However, in this occasion it is
reporting about not one but two biorefinery projects that will invigorate rural
zones in that continent. China New
Energy (CNE) announced at the beginning of this month (press
release, December 4th 2015) that it had entered into a Memorandum
of Understanding (“MoU”) with Sunbird
Bioenergy for the construction of two biorefineries, one each in Zimbabwe
and Zambia. The MoU was signed in the context of Forum on China-Africa Cooperation
(FOCAC, 6th Ministerial Conference and
Summit) in Johannesburg.
In Zimbabwe, CNE
will assist Sunbird Bioenergy to develop a biorefinery project that, at full
capacity, is intended to deliver 120 million liters of fuel grade ethanol for
the Government’s biofuel blending programme. The Zimbabwe project is expected
to use mixed feedstocks like cassava and molasses. Construction is estimated to
start in 2016 and commercial operations in late 2017, helping to create local
infrastructure, jobs and energy security.
Under the terms of
the MoU, CNE has also undertaken to develop a similar project with Sunbird Bioenergy
in Zambia. According to local news, the ground breaking ceremony to commence
the construction of the biorefinery in Kawambwa (Luapula Province) already took
place on December 16th. The project, scheduled to start production
in 2017, will also produce 120 million liters of bioethanol annually and create
over 600 new jobs for locals. The Government of Zambia has allocated 20,000 Ha
of land on the Luena farm block for the development of a nucleus farm and
out-grower programme which will produce more than 600,000 tons of cassava each
year for the plant.
Finally, I would like
to point out the vision of Sunbird Bioenergy that sounds really well. The
company wants to contribute to the rural development objectives in Sub-Saharan
Africa and become the largest producer of sustainable biofuel in that region. Sunbird
Bioenergy is working with governments and local communities across the region
to unlock this potential and its plan is to build 10 biorefineries by 2023.
Also, it considers that feedstock sustainability is critical to the biofuel
industry. Its investments will have a positive impact by boosting rural
development, reducing the need for oil imports and mitigating regional carbon
dioxide emissions.