Unexpectedly, in February 2023 I joined a trip that would mark the beginning of a pivotal chapter in our biofuel ambitions. What started as a hunch became an adventure into the future of sustainable energy crops, as we set out for Ghana.
We were invited to this adventure by Nippon Biodiesel Fuel Co., Ltd. (NBF), a Japanese company that has developed a unique model for local production and consumption of renewable energy, primarily using the non-edible Jatropha plant. NBF was founded on January 21, 2000.
The company established a local subsidiary in Mozambique, “Agro-business for Development of Mozambique Lda.” (ADM), in March 2012, to manage its African operations and in Mozambique, NBF initiated its Jatropha contract farming system around 2010.
Why Ghana?
Our destination was a remote area in Ghana, 400-km from Accra (the capital city), where a company has been conducting groundbreaking research and development on Jatropha since 2015. Unlike many ventures that faltered in the biofuel sector, it persisted through years of genetic improvement, cultivating over 1,267 hectares of “marginal land”—areas unsuitable for food crops but ideal for resilient energy plants.
The highlight of our visit was the discovery of a rare, highly resilient Jatropha seed variety. Their R&D efforts which tested over 300 species sourced from Singapore, India, and China, produced four successful varieties. The latest variety boasts seeds weighing 0.9 grams (up from 0.3 grams in the original), with oil content increased to 39%. This breakthrough means significantly more biofuel per hectare alongside greater biomass for feedstock and fertilizer. With NBF's leasing of the land, it is now the sole company possessing this technology.
The new model includes 50 contracted out-growers across 18 communities, cultivating about 300 hectares. Jatropha’s low labour requirements (1.5 hours/day) allow farmers to continue growing food crops while earning steady income and supporting rural livelihoods. Seeds were sold at $0.17/kg, with each hectare yielding up to 3.5 tons annually.
Fast Forward to 2025
After a relatively quiet 2 years, NBF is focused on producing biofuel from Jatropha seeds, with a primary goal of supplying vessels through bunkering services. The company is considering starting biofuel production in Ribaue district, Nampula province, Mozambique, and establishing a crushing facility at Nacala Port.
To achieve this NBF is collaborating with Civitas (KARMOL’s Agent), which operates a Floating Storage Unit (FSU) for marine fuels and aims to be the first to offer biofuel bunkering services in the region.
Initial trials are scheduled for 2026, using Jatropha oil imported from Ghana before local production scales up. Both companies are discussing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalise their collaboration once NBF’s capacity is established.
Mozambique and Beyond
Discussions are ongoing regarding the optimal blending ratio for biofuel in marine applications, with early trials expected to use 500–1,000 tons per year. NBF is actively seeking to strengthen its equity base and secure investment and partnerships, including talks with MOL and potential support from the Japanese government of up to $25 million. Full-scale production is projected to begin between 2027 and beyond.
Our visit was not only about learning—it was about building bridges. MOL has been closely involved with NBF’s developments since their inception, and this journey continues to evolve. Being part of one of MOL’s business development teams means sharing in these priceless experiences, where collaboration and innovation shape the future together.