April 27, 2006

AFRICA: Growing Biofuel

Thanks to Alternative Source for locating this article on the practical challenges of starting a biofuels facility.

Africa may be the last continent to embrace biofuel conversion technology largescale. But with abundant labor and growing demand for energy, infrastructure, and jobs, it could be the biggest success story.

The article published online by EcoWorld explains the main criteria necessary for starting a biofuels business and goes on to detail a checklist for commercial viability of a jatropha plantation for production of biodiesel.

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Growing Biofuel
A BIODIESEL ENTREPRENEUR'S CHECKLIST FOR ANYONE CONSIDERING ENTERING THIS INFANT INDUSTRY
by Louis Strydom

More than 50% of the vast continent of Africa may support biofuel crops. But success depends on many factors.

This article by biodiesel entrepreneur Louis Strydom, who is endeavoring to establish a biodiesel plantation and refinery on a massive scale in Kenya, serves as a sobering reminder of how many factors have to be aligned before biodiesel fuel moves from dream to reality. Ultimately, biodiesel plantations have to be profitable, and the requirements for success are myriad.

General Criteria for a Viable Biofuel Operation:

• Not Dependent on Subsidies
• Vertical Integration of Farms and Refinery
• Location in Developing Nation
• Large Scale
• Perennial Crop
• Local Market for Biofuel Sales

Louis Strydom is an expert in new venture creation and project finance with wide experience on projects in the developing world. One of Louis' main projects for the last year has been conducting a pre-feasibility study and promotion of a 230,000 acre site for a Jatropha plantation and biodiesel refinery in Kenya.


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3 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am looking for information about Jatropha development in Kenya. Could you please suggest some good resources for my research? Thank you. (TWithers@umd.edu)

Unknown said...

Anyone venturing in to Jatropha Plantation and Bio-Diesel production may please get in touch with us. We can provide necessary assistance. For further details, pelase visit our web site: www.greentech.net and come back to us with your proposals. We are here to help you. MK

Anonymous said...

Jatrophashop.com is the first website where you can find a wide selection of Jatropha seeds from all over the world.

Seeds are selected and tested in pilot plantations and are sold opportunely treated: coated, incrusted and pelletted. These processes improve seeds conservation (up to two years) and the absorption of water and nutrition in the first phases of growing.

Try our seeds and tomorrow you could become a biofuels producer too.