Kia Netherlands embarks on biofuel quest in Mali

(ADPnews) – Feb 19, 2010 - Dutch automaker Kia Netherlands has unfolded plans to invest in Dutch-backed biodiesel scheme Mali Biocarburant SA in a bid to promote jatropha production in the western African nation.

The programme is backed by the Dutch government and the Malian farmer’s union.

Seeds from jatropha curcas -- a poisonous plant that grows abundantly in Africa, Central and South America, Asia and the Caribbean -- can be crushed to produce oil to use in standard diesel cars. The remaining residue can be used to power electricity plants and as fertiliser.

A number of jatropha projects have been under development in Mali since 2007 by several Dutch organisations. In May that same year, special generators were set up to run on jatropha oil as part of a 15-year electrification programme in Galaro. Ultimately, the project aims to set up 1,000 hectares (2,471 acres) of jatropha plantations to provide oil for a 300 kW power plant for the local community. The generated electricity will be enough for 10,000 people.

Choose your newsletter by Renewables Now. Join for free!