Nov 24 2009
Eco-Fuel has signed an agreement with the Government of Rwanda. The agreement is valued at 250 million dollars and involves producing bio-fuels from Jatropha Curcas.
In light of the forthcoming Copenhagen climate talks, this agreement will help to replace upto 20% of the fossil fuel requirement at Rwanda, with low emission bio-fuels. According to Mark O Brien, CEO, Eco-Fuel Global, the agreement marks the beginning of one of the largest bio-fuel projects in the world. O Brien also added that Rwanda leads the world for a new generation with energy production, which is both environmentally friendly and economically responsible.
The agreement is a part of a larger Sub-Sahara Africa bio-fuel strategy. Eco-Fuel and Eco Positive, who are investors in this project, see this project as one answer to the energy challenge in Rwanda.
The benefits of the project include: the direct employment for 6,500 people, increased fuel security, food security, reduced price risk, production of fertilizers as a by-product, increase agricultural yields with the help of intercropping, use of US based biofuel refinery equipment and technology to increase US exports. The project can provide environmental benefits such as soil stability, reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and watershed protection.
The signing ceremony was witnessed by the former British Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Tony Blair at Rwanda Development Board (RDB). Albert Butare, State Minister for Energy, signed on behalf of the government of Rwanda. According to Joe Ritchie, CEO, Rwanda Development Board, the agreement shows the potential of Rwanda as an investment-friendly country and it also demonstrates the development path of a country that utilizes local resources to achieve its goals.
The agreement will provide an opportunity for the two companies to grow Jatropha Curcas on 10,000 hectares of land near Akagera National Park, and they will extract 20 million liters of bio-fuel every year.
Source: http://www.ecofuelglobal.net/