TradeInvest Africa (Cape Town)
6 November 2009
Investment Opportunities : Energy
There is an opportunity to expand an existing business involving the planting of Jatropha curcas for producing bio diesel.
Bio Energy Resources LTD (BERL) is seeking financing for a renewable energy project involving the planting and processing of Jatropha curcas as an alternative source of energy for rural communities in Malawi. The company based in Lilongwe works with small-scale farmers through introducing and supporting the growing of the plant for bio-diesel production.
Most households are currently using firewood as a source of energy, leading to massive felling of trees. Using bio-diesel as a source of energy will ease the rate of deforestation, which is currently causing soil erosion.
Jatropha, a low maintenance, high yield, drought resistant crop, is also intended to supplement the cultivation of tobacco.
BERL is looking for a partner or a loan to facilitate planting and processing of a further 126,000 hectares of jatropha trees.
The jatropha seeds will be processed into bio-diesel while the remaining seedcake will be combosted to produce organic fertilizer. Seed husks can be used as a mushroom-growing substrate.
Estimated cost of needed investment : US$ 4,550,000.
Project status: Over 300 hectares of Jatropha curcas have been planted in the area around Salima. Four large nurseries have also been established to provide seedlings to individual growers and provide feedstock for larger plantations.
Development impact:
• Curb deforestation
• Improve health
• Increase incomes
For more information: http://www.tradeinvestafrica.com/investment_opportunities/326894.htm
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