Dr Manal Awad, Egypt's Minister of Local Development and Environment, met with a delegation from Al-Mana Holding Group to discuss a proposal for an integrated project to recycle used cooking oil and convert it into biodiesel. The initiative aligns with the state's drive towards a circular economy and reduced carbon emissions.
Key features of the project:
- Capacity and investment: The project aims to build an advanced plant with an estimated investment of $15.6 million, with a production capacity of up to 100 tonnes per day of environmentally friendly biodiesel.
- Collection system: A robust mechanism will be established to collect used oil from all sources, including households, restaurants and factories, to ensure its safe disposal and protect sewage networks from blockages.
- Incentivising citizens:
- Providing cash and in-kind incentives to encourage women to participate in household collection and prevent random disposal.
- Studying the launch of an electronic application that would allow citizens to locate collection points and receive rewards in exchange for handing in oil.
- Location: A dedicated site for the project has been allocated within the Integrated Waste City in Tenth of Ramadan City to ensure efficient supply chains.
- Environmental impact: The project would contribute to the production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared with fossil fuels.
Dr Manal Awad affirmed that the ministry is working to establish a modern recycling system, aimed primarily at encouraging Egyptian households to participate through clear incentives, ensuring the protection of public health and the environment while achieving a tangible economic return.
