South Africa Investing in Ethanol Producer

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South Africa Investing in Ethanol Producer

19 August 2005

Independent Online. The South African Energy Development Corporation (EDC), a division of the state-owned Central Energy Fund, is in talks to buy 30% of maize-to-fuel company Ethanol Africa in a deal potentially worth R180 million (US$27.5 million).

According to the report, the investment signals a possible shift in the government’s biofuels policy, which currently does not mandate the blending of ethanol into gasoline and of biodiesel into diesel.

Ethanol Africa, formed earlier in the year by a group of farmers looking for outlets for the large maize surplus and relief from low market prices, is planning to start ethanol production in 2007.

The Central Energy Fund, whose mandate includes energy-saving interventions, recently completed an in-depth study on bioethanol and would meet the department of minerals and energy soon to discuss its findings, [EDC general manager Manny Singh] said.

The fund believed ethanol was a “very good intervention” given the challenges faced by South African farmers struggling with low prices and a 6 million ton maize surplus, Singh said. Ethanol also provided a good source of octane in petrol.

The staged phase-out of leaded fuels from South Africa which began in 2002 must be complete by 1 Jan 2006. There is some concern that the banning of leaded fuels from 2006 could lead to shortages of high-octane gasoline as lead has traditionally been used to boost octane levels.

Ethanol Africa eventually plans to construct eight ethanol plants. Construction on the first in Bothaville is due to start later this year.

[Ethanol Africa director] Haasbroek said the company hoped its ethanol production would be taken up by local oil companies for blending into fuel, but in the absence of a clear policy from the government, the ethanol could be exported to Europe and Japan.

The EDC is reportedly also exploring the conversion of sugar into ethanol, and has signed a confidential agreement with a sugar company to investigate a number of initiatives.

Posted on 19 August 2005 in Ethanol | Permalink | Comments (43)

Comments

I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT HOW TO GO ABOUT INVESTING IN ETHANOL

Posted by: joyce pope | 06 September 2005 at 11:59 AM

I WOULD LIKE TO FIND OUT HOW TO GO ABOUT INVESTING IN ETHANAL.

Posted by: Clarissa Swarts | 08 September 2005 at 12:40 AM

Info on investing (shares)
Thank You.

Posted by: Douw Badenhorst | 13 September 2005 at 04:43 AM

How do I invest in ethanol as an individual investor who has no experience in investing? How can I be sure the company/producer is legitimate?

-Priscilla

Posted by: priscilla | 22 September 2005 at 08:51 AM

I would like to know how to invest in ethanol, if there are stocks and what their stock symbols are.

Posted by: Glen | 06 October 2005 at 06:52 PM

I would like to know how to invest with ethanol as an individual investor who has no experience in investing? How can I be sure the company/producer is legitimate?

Posted by: Patricia | 17 October 2005 at 05:25 PM

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I would like to get information in investing in ethanol as an individual investor who has no experience in investing.

Posted by: Kim | 28 October 2005 at 12:34 PM

I would like info on how to invest in Ethanol? Do I go through the CBOT? Any help would be appreciated.

Posted by: Tim | 29 October 2005 at 12:55 PM

I am interested in investing in Ethanol. I have no previous experience. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

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Posted by: jason | 01 February 2006 at 06:34 PM

Kindly supply with the information pertaining to converting sugar to green fuel. Need to know where to grow sugar except for KZN. I understand the SA weather conditions and scarce of water might make it difficult and expensive to grow sugar. What is your comment?

Posted by: Queen | 14 February 2006 at 12:00 PM

I would like some information on investing in ethanol products and some company names.

Posted by: Jeff | 15 February 2006 at 07:11 PM

I would also like to know who the up and coming ethanol producers and suppliers are and how i can invest in their companies. I dont have alot of money, would like to get on a ground floor ticket before this takes off like i think it will. thank you for any help that can be offered.

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I want info on how to invest in ethanol and what companies are best.

Posted by: Tim Massanelli | 07 April 2006 at 02:37 PM

I would also like to know how and where to find info on investing in ethanol.

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I would like info oninvesting in ethanol fuel.

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Posted by: William Ross | 13 April 2006 at 08:55 AM

I am interested in investing in ethanol fuel and would like information regarding which companies are the best and most stable. I have very little experience in personal investing.

Posted by: joanna | 15 April 2006 at 05:22 PM