Johannesburg: South African sugarcane farmers are planning to divert sugarcane for ethanol production. According to the South African Cane Growers Association (SA Canegrowers), the country has the potential to produce 433 million litres of aviation fuel per year.
The study titled “The Viability of South African Sugarcane as Feedstock for Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production” has shown the potential in the diversification of the sugarcane sector, said the association.
According to the media report, Rex Talmage, chairperson of the association, said the industry can produce 700 million litres of low-carbon ethanol per year by diverting 50% of the 19 million tons of cane produced by the farmers. From the ethanol produced, 433 million litres of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) can be produced by local refineries for the aviation industry.
“We are looking forward to working together with the government and industry stakeholders to come up with a strategy to diversify the sector and ensure long-term sustainability and profitability,” he said.
