Rwanda signs agreement with Eni to evaluate UCO collection, biobased diesel feedstock production

Italian multinational oil and gas company Eni S.p.A. and the government of Rwanda signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) this month to evaluate the feasibility of circular-economy projects focused on collecting used cooking oil and waste oils, waste-management valorization and recycling. The fields of interest also include agriculture, especially feedstock production for Eni’s biobased diesel production.

In addition, the oil company and government of Rwanda are looking at forest conservation and generation of carbon credits through a wide range of initiatives, such as reducing CO2 emissions from the wood-fuel value chain and other service activities.

“Thanks to the MOU, we will develop a solid roadmap to deliver on the energy transition in areas where both Eni and Rwanda are at the forefront,” said Luigi Ciarrocchi, a director with Eni. “The business model we are willing to implement in Rwanda focuses on long-term value creation for all stakeholders, combining economic, financial and environmental sustainability, to improve communities’ quality of life and foster the country’s development in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”

Clare Akamanzsi, CEO of the Rwanda Development Board, added, “The government of Rwanda is committed to working with the private sector to ensure sustainable development, which is critical for present and future generations. The partnership with Eni boosts the achievement of this goal. We are hopeful that together we will implement tangible actions that will ensure improved quality of life for our people.”

According to Eni, the MOU aligns with Rwanda’s goal to fast-track economic development by enabling private-sector growth and Eni’s commitment to increasing energy efficiency in African countries, leveraging agro-industrial projects in a sustainable framework.