Mozambique biofuels regulatory framework almost ready

The Mozambican Ministry of Agriculture is due to finish a proposal by June of a strategy and regulatory framework for the production of biofuels in the country, according to a report in Mozambican daily newspaper Noticias.

The paper said that a study had been carried out to identify the crops that could potentially be used to produce biofuels in the country.

Sugar cane, maize and manioc could be used for ethanol production, and jatropha, sunflower, coconut, soy and African palm could be used for biodiesel production, a study has found.

Along with the proposal containing the strategy on this matter, which will be sent for appreciation to the Council of Ministers for analysis and approval, a set of guidelines for preparation of investment projects by potential investors has also been drawn up.

Meanwhile, the Mozambican Institute for Agrarian Research is heading up research and technology transfer programs, particularly to small-scale producers and others.

Sources from the Ministry of Agriculture have confirmed that an area of 34,638 hectares has already been set aside for large biofuel projects, 30,000 of which are in Gaza, 1,000 in Inhambane and an equal number in Sofala and 2,638 in Nampula.

The established principle is to draw up a zoning of the country’s agrarian areas in order to improve decisions on the location of areas for biofuel production, to prevent land conflicts and reduce negative impact on food production.

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