BIOMASS HUB

In Angola, the production of biofuels will now be regulated with a new law approved by the national parliament that requires foreign biofuels producers to sell a share of their fuel to state oil company Sonangol to meet local needs.

The law comes as the government of the Southern African country tries to diversify the economy which currently depends on oil, national radio said Thursday.

The UN Food and Agriculture Office last year voiced concern about foreign investors leasing African lands to produce crops for export, at the expense of water and food supplies for local populations.

Under the new law, foreign companies that invest in biofuels will have to ensure that the local populations have access to water, basic services, and medical care.  Foreign firms will also be required to sell a portion of their biofuels to the state oil company Sonangol to supply the local market.

Although Angola vies with Nigeria as Africa’s top oil producer, it does not refine enough fuel to meet national demand.

Broadcast on national radio, oil minister Jose Botelho de Vasconcelos told parliament:

Biofuels will create jobs and a renewable supply of energy for the future.