CNE and Sunbird Bioenergy sign MoU for the construction of biorefineries in Zimbabwe and Zambia

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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.

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