Eni opens oilseed-processing facility in Republic of Congo

Photo: Eni

The Italian multinational energy company Eni announced June 28 the inauguration of its first oilseed-processing facility in the Republic of the Congo.

Located in the south-central part of the African country, the Loudima plant will extract plant oils that will then be shipped to Enilive’s biorefineries, where the feedstock will be transformed into hydrotreated biofuels such as renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

“With the launch of the Loudima agri-hub, the country takes on an active role in the biofuel production chain, in line with Eni’s strategic path to achieve net-zero emissions from its products and processes by 2050,” the company stated.

The processing facility in Loudima has the capacity to produce 30,000 tons per year of vegetable oil and will be supplied by oilseed crops grown on degraded and underutilized land or through intercropping systems, as part of a regenerative-agriculture project developed in collaboration with local stakeholders, according to Eni.

The company added that the vegetable oils produced in Congo are certified according to the strictest criteria established by Europe’s Renewable Energy Directive ensuring traceability, sustainability of the production process, and respect for biodiversity, human rights and labor conditions.

“The project represents a significant development opportunity for Congo’s agro-industrial sector,” Eni stated. “Eni supports the local agribusiness value chain through the provision of advanced mechanization services and improved seeds.”

Around 200 new machines will be used in the project, according to Eni, half of which have already been imported and are being used in the current agricultural campaign.

In addition to farmer-training programs, Eni said the initiative will foster the creation of new specialized skills in mechanization, logistics and industrial processes, involving around 400 tractor operators.

“These factors will significantly contribute to the country’s agricultural revival and promote the socioeconomic development of rural areas,” Eni stated.

The Loudima facility will also produce vegetable proteins for livestock feed, creating further development opportunities for the food sector and contributing to food security, Eni noted.

Eni said it has been present in the Republic of the Congo since 1968 and is the only company involved in developing the country’s significant gas resources.

Eni supplies gas to the Congo Power Plant (CEC), which provides 70 percent of the country’s electricity production.

In 2023, the company also inaugurated the Oyo Center of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency and supports numerous projects to improve access to education and healthcare, as well as economic diversification.