An Interview with Richard Morgan, Chief Executive of Sun Biofuels
Source: GreenPower Conferences
What do you and your organization do in the Biofuels sector?
SBF is an African based bio-fuels feedstock producer. We are developing oil seed plantations in Ethiopia, Tanzania and Mozambique utilizing Jatropha Curcas under intensive management regimes. While the initial focus is on feedstock production, SBF is developing small/medium scale bio-diesel refinery models and PVO energy platforms.
What is the biggest challenge facing the East African Biofuels industry in the short term (1-3 years)?
Bio-fuels policy uncertainty, transparent, ethical access to poorly utilized land and access to start up finance.
How is the sustainability issue around Biofuels being addressed in East Africa?
Regional policies governing Environmental Impact Assessment criteria and existing environmental protection laws are being enforced. Transparent rules and regulations regarding the allocation of land to investors and project developers must be adhered to. Corporate Social Responsibility commitments are being assessed and subjected to monitoring and evaluation to ensure landed communities genuinely benefit from investment. The EU and other destination markets are setting generic standards which can be adapted to regional conditions locally.
How do we educate the media and wider world about the benefits that Biofuels can bring following recent negative publicity?
Rigorous academic debate that is based on facts and not emotions. Provided that the sustainability arguments are met and there is a balanced policy debate in relation to food security issues it is possible to show economic, social and environmental benefits from investment in biofuels projects. Investment in rural infrastructure, primary education and health and commercial opportunities that develop trade will win the argument in the end. In my opinion, what many rural people want is the opportunity to succeed themselves. The aid and development agencies have a vital role to play in solving some of the acute problems that result from adverse weather and conflict. However, it is trade not aid that will secure long term economic security for many in the agricultural community. The bio-fuels sector should emphasize its acceptance of the principles of liberalized trade and access developed economy’s markets for products, goods and services from Africa.
Which non food feedstocks do you see as the most interesting developing alternatives?
I might be biased but we clearly feel there is big potential for Jatropha in East Africa. While there has been little in the way of genetic improvement to date, the plant is very adaptable. With focused effort and investment we believe that yields can be significantly improved from where they are now. SBF believes that Jatropha has the flexibility to be grown by smallholders and out-growers that can add efficiencies to the core large scale plantations and at the same time provide the feedstock for devolved energy generation at the community level. Perennial tree crops like Jatropha have the potential to be instrumental in preventing soil erosion and deforestation linked to charcoal and firewood collection. SBF also believes that with improved monitoring and inspection, plantation tree crops grown in a sustainable way can provide carbon revenue streams for local communities.
What is the biggest challenge in the long term (4-10 years)?
The initial challenge is to get large scale plantations of the ground with adequate medium term finance. Once this has been achieved the model can be adapted towards out growers with confidence and in a way that combines the intensification of agriculture across the board. Successful bio fuels businesses will compliment and improve the local rural economies in which they exist not compete with them. Winning this argument is vital in the early stages but will constantly need to be upheld. Technological change in other renewable sectors will be seen as a potential threat but, provided innovation is maintained in advancing yields and the quality of the oil there could be hundreds of new applications ranging from aviation fuel, engine lubricants and carbon related biomass.