Ivory Coast inaugurates a cocoa-waste-powered biomass plant

Ivory Coast, the world’s largest cocoa producer, will inaugurate a biomass plant that runs on cocoa waste.

In this country, where more than 40% of all cocoa beans originate, bean shells, pod husks and cocoa sweatings are usually thrown away.

This waste will now become the cornerstone of the Ivory Coast’s ecological transition to renewable energy. According to the Ivorian company Société des Energies Nouvelles (Soden), this biomass plant will produce between 46 and 70MW of electricity per year, providing electricity to 1.7 million people (around 7% of the country’s entire population).

Ivory Coast currently gets most of its power from fossil fuels – natural gas generating 70% of its energy. However, the country aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 28% by 2030, and studies have shown that the new plant could reduce these emissions by 4.5 million tonnes.

Why does it matter? Besides the source of renewable energy, recycling cocoa waste could also benefit the 6 million people working for this industry throughout the country. Indeed, this biomass plant will add a new income stream for farmers and create new jobs, generating overall positive effects in the communities.

In a country with fast-growing energy needs, innovations such as this one could make a massive difference 🚀