2007-2012 Special Programme for Biofuels

The Return to Agriculture programme, implemented in 2007 to support diverse and modern income-generating activities in rural Senegal, also includes the Specific Biofuel Program. The Biofuel programme aims to enhance energy independence and to achieve biodiesel self-sufficiency by 2012. To meet its targets, the Senegalese government will support the large-scale deployment of Jatropha Curcas plantations, expected to generate 1.34 billion litres of crude vegetable oil by 2012. The sector is expected to create work opportunities in the agro industry, since the full transformation process, from the seed to the finished oil, will take place in Senegal. The programme will also support the production of electricity from Jatropha straight oil, through a guaranteed stable and lucrative price for producers. The Specific Biofuel Programme also sets up a work plan for other Senegalese institutions. The Senegal Sugar Company will devote attention to the potential of ethanol from bagasse conversion; and the Ministry of Agriculture recently created the Specific Technical Committee on Biofuel, responsible for the management and assessment of future projects.

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