Eni sets up oilseed plant in Kenya

Eni has completed the construction of a tan oilseed collection and pressing plant in Makueni, Kenya.
The company has now started production of the first vegetable oils for biorefineries.
The first agri-hub will have an installed capacity of 15,000 tons with an expected production of 2,500 tons this year.
Claudio Descalzi, CEO of Eni, said: "This project embodies all the pillars of Eni's approach to sustainability. First, the carbon neutrality, as bio- refining is an important element in our path to zero emissions by 2050.
“Second, the operational excellence, as we completed the work on schedule, one year after the agreement with the Kenyan government and six months after the shipyard’s start-up, in total safety, with more than 200,000 hours worked without any accidents.
“Third, the social development, as we are creating opportunities for the local community: we have involved 25,000 farmers and employed up to 200 people a day in the construction of the centre. In our vertical integration model, seed cultivation is handled by local farmers, thus promoting their access to market and ensuring access to land.”
The agri-hub will process castor, croton and cottonseeds to extract vegetable oil.
Eni Kenya, its supply chain and all agri-feedstocks developed have been certified under the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC-EU) sustainability scheme, one of the main voluntary standard recognised by the European commission for biofuel certification (RED II).
The first phase of the project in Kenya includes the construction of a second agri-hub to reach a total capacity of 30,000 tons per year of vegetable oil in 2023, as well as the development of associated agricultural supply chains.