Image: Esi Africa
In a bid to increase biofuel production capabilities, Eni signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Congolese government on October 4 that outlines the framework for the large-scale production of castor oil, providing feedstock for Eni’s biorefinery system. The pilot phase is expected to start in October this year – with approximately 200 hectares allocated for castor bean planting activities.
With the signing of the MoU, Eni supports the Congolese National Development Plan for Agriculture 2018-2022, which aims to develop the country’s underexploited agricultural sector, and to contribute to the decarbonization of its energy mix.
Large-scale biofuel production is largely underdeveloped in the country, however, projects like these are likely to multiply as countries increasingly seek to diversify their energy mix and reduce their dependence on fossil fuels.
