KHARTOUM — Sinnar state signed a partnership with the Saudi Tala Company to produce sugar, ethanol and bio-fuel in Sinnar state from the Jatropha tree to be cultivated in an area estimated at 165,000 acres at a cost of $650 million. Terhab Company for production of brick blocks was also launched in the presence of the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Urban Development Dr. Babikir Mohamed, Saudi Ambassador to Sudan and several state officials. Khalid Al Deyaee, manager of Tala Company, said that the company's Sinnar subsidiary is made up of a sugar factory, ethanol factory and bio-fuel factory. The Jatropha plant is cultivated in 156,000 acres at a cost of $650 million. It is the biggest factory where the first Arab ethanol will be produced and exported to Europe and North America, he said. The project will also benefit local communities. Dr. Esameldine Khidir, manager of Terhab Company for Agricultural and Animal Production, said the machine for brick blocks is the first of its kind in the Middle East. The machine represents a “turnkey factory” that produces more than 6,000 brick blocks per day, he said. It does not require professional operators and it is not costly, he added. He said in future the company will further improve its production to slowly replace kilns through cooperation with banks, graduate employment projection and workers unions. Dr. Babikir lauded the Terhab Company's experience which will contribute a great deal toward resolving the problem of building materials in Sudan and will enable rural and vulnerable communities to overcome the impact of climate change. The Saudi Tala Company is spearheading a project in Sinnar state to produce bio-fuel from Jatropha plant to provide airlines in the Middle East with fuel. The company is also making steps to produce sugar and ethanol and generate electricity. — Agencies
