producer has opened this
demonstration plant that
converts municipal solid
waste to bio-ethanol
The government said in August last year that fuel producers would be required to blend a minimum of 5% bio-diesel in diesel and between 2% and 10% of bio-ethanol in petrol.
Fin24 now quotes Energy Department spokesman Johannes Mokobane as saying that the minister of energy has set 1 October 2015 as the date on which the regulations will come into operation.
South Africa imports 60% of its crude oil needs and became a net importer of finished petroleum products several years ago. Bio-fuels are expected to reduce its reliance on imported fuel.
The bio-fuels industry in South Africa, the continent’s biggest agricultural producer, has been held back by an inadequate regulatory regime, as well as concerns that bio-fuels would hurt food security and impact food prices.
Canola, sunflower and soya are feedstock for bio-diesel, while sugarcane and sugar beet are feedstock for ethanol.
The government said maize, South Africa’s staple food, could not be used in the production of bio-fuels in order to ensure food security and keep a lid on high prices.
Source: Fin24. For more information, click here.