Transport Biofuel Production in Selected African Countries

Abstract

The relevance of the study is defined by the need for an in-depth analysis of foreign countries experience developing the production and use of transport biofuels. Currently, neither bioethanol nor biodiesel is produced on an industrial scale in the Russian Federation. Nevertheless, the scientific discussion on the need to develop and implement a national biofuel program continues. The aim of this study is to identify the specifics of producing transport biofuels in Africa. The choice of the research region is defined by intensification of economic relations between the Russian Federation and African countries and the expanding ties between commercial organizations. The research uses the method of system analysis, comparative analysis, the statistical method, and the graphical method of presenting information. The results have scientific novelty. The actual production volumes of transport biofuels in African countries have been clarified: bioethanol production is currently carried out in Malawi (6.6 million liters, first-generation raw materials) and Zimbabwe (92 million liters, first-generation raw materials); there are many pilot biofuel projects in Africa, but they have not yet reached the stage of full commercialization and significant production scales. The features of government policy on the development of the biofuel industry in African countries have been identified: the implementation of government programs is at an early stage and does not lead to a significant increase in the production and use of bioethanol and biodiesel; the main tools of administrative regulation and economic incentives are applied fragmentarily, limited by priorities in the field of food security. The main factors hindering the production and use of second-generation biodiesel from non-food agricultural raw materials, primarily from oil obtained from jatropha seeds, have been identified: pilot projects in this area face problems with low yields of such crops, the inability to diversify economic activities and the unpredictability of demand for end products.