- The Sudanese government has unveiled the country's first biofuel plant, joining other African countries like Egypt in the fight against global warming.
The plant located about 250 kilometres from the capital city, Khartoum, aims to produce 200 million litres of ethanol from sugar cane within the next two years.
Reports said the second project, worth US$150 million, will carry out research into the production of ethanol from rice straw. “Such cellulosic ethanol fuel produced using non-food plant sources, including agricultural waste such as the stalks and leaves of crops can also reduce the polluting practice of burning agricultural waste,” the report said.
A researcher at the Sudan-based Agricultural Research Corporation, Eltayeb Mohamed Abdelgadir said in Egypt, burning agricultural waste such as rice straw has produced thick smoke across the country, causing record levels of nitrogen dioxide and carbon monoxide.
Mr Abdelgadir said the biofuels projects are a good example of South–South cooperation which will lead to the transfer of technology and knowledge between developing countries, the development of scientific human resources and promote knowledge-based economic development.
"Sudan is well-suited for biofuel production because of its vast, uncultivated land and low agricultural and labour costs which will provide new income for farmers and an alternative source of energy for Africa," Mr Abdelgadir added.
afrol News - It is called "financial inclusion", and it is a key government policy in Rwanda. The goal is that, by 2020, 90 percent of the population is to have and actively use bank accounts. And in only four years, financial inclusion has doubled in Rwanda.
afrol News - The UN's humanitarian agencies now warn about a devastating famine in Sudan and especially in South Sudan, where the situation is said to be "imploding". Relief officials are appealing to donors to urgently fund life-saving activities in the two countries.
afrol News - Fear is spreading all over West Africa after the health ministry in Guinea confirmed the first Ebola outbreak in this part of Africa. According to official numbers, at least 86 are infected and 59 are dead as a result of this very contagious disease.
afrol News - It is already a crime being homosexual in Ethiopia, but parliament is now making sure the anti-gay laws will be applied in practical life. No pardoning of gays will be allowed in future, but activist fear this only is a signal of further repression being prepared.
afrol News / Africa Renewal - Ethiopia's ambitious plan to build a US$ 4.2 billion dam in the Benishangul-Gumuz region, 40 km from its border with Sudan, is expected to provide 6,000 megawatts of electricity, enough for its population plus some excess it can sell to neighbouring countries.
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