Companhia de Bioenergia de Angola (Biocom) on an experimental basis has produced 1,550 tons of sugar and 3,600 cubic meters of ethanol (ethyl alcohol), said the company’s director, Carlos Martins.

Cited by Angolan news agency Angop, Carlos Martins said that the company is still testing the machines for processing sugarcane into sugar and ethanol so that the plant can be inaugurated soon.

Sugar and ethanol production are at a standstill due to constant rainfall in the region, hampering the entrance of the machines in the sugar can harvest areas.

The company estimates that from 2019 it will produce 256,000 tons of sugar and 30 million litres of ethanol, as well as the electricity that will be used to enhance the Capanda/Cacuso power line, which supplies the municipality and city of Malanje.

Biocom, which is part of the Capanda Agro-Industrial Complex, is a partnership between the Angolan State, through the National Agency for Private Investment (ANIP) and Sonangol Holding, with a 20 percent stake and Angolan group Damer and Brazil’s Odebrecht, with 40 percent each. (macauhub/AO)