Mali Biocarburant: jatropha press cake fuels local economy
Mali Biocarburant (MBC) is a private company that works with more
than 8,000 small farmers in 3 regions of Mali and 2 regions in Burkina
Faso. Its primary product is jatropha seed oil, which is converted into
biodiesel and bioglycerine. The project has to do with the jatropha
press cake, and the energy it generates through biogas fermentation.
Power from press cake
Hugo Verkuijl, founder: “Once you've pressed the oil from the seeds, the
press cake you're left with can produce a biogas that will generate as much
energy as the oil itself does, if fermented properly. The seed cake can then
still be used as fertilizer even after fermentation. We started doing this in a
test setup in 2010 to see if the biogas could be used as a source. As it
turned out, it works. Now we’re scaling up production to include seven
sites: two of our own factories and five local village communities.”
Multifunctional platforms
The local communities use the biogas to power so-called multifunctional
platforms, a rail-mounted diesel engine seen in many poorer communities
in West Africa. “These engines were put there through a development
program by the World Bank some years ago, but high fuel prices have
made them too expensive to use. Our biogas costs a lot less, so now these
engines are running again.”
Success factors
“Let’s see… firstly, we found a problem that needed a solution. High fuel
prices call for an inexpensive power source. The biogas is a solution to that
problem. This made it easier for us to find a market. Secondly, the fact that
we are a commercial company makes for a solid business case. We can’t
throw money at an idea - we need proven potential before we invest.
Thirdly, our investments in the competences of our people really pay off.
Fourthly, our partners. From our donor companies to the local farmers, we
have partners that supply us with quality information and a cooperative
attitude.
“If we had to do a project like this one again, I don’t think we’d do a lot
differently. Even the conflict that is currently going on in Mali hasn’t stopped
us, so our operation can be said to have some resilience.” It also helps that
prices for diesel are comparatively high, creating opportunities for jatropha
oil.