iLive Sustainable Development

Women in Biodiesel: Empowering a Green Future for All

This project will pilot decentralised biodiesel production and distribution by establishing 10 women-owned enterprises that will produce and sell biodiesel made from used cooking oil (UCO) collected from local restaurants. iLive and its partners will provide the technology, business acceleration support and market access, as well as offering guaranteed off-take of excess biodiesel. The production facilities will be established in 10 cities across South Africa to supply impoverished communities. EEP Africa financing will enable iLive to test the viability of decentralised production and distribution in the biodiesel supply chain.

Outcome and Impact

The 10 women-owned businesses are expected to scale up to producing and distributing 3 million litres of biodiesel per annum. This will support 30,000 MWh per year and annually reduce an estimated 7,900 tonnes of CO2e emissions. The project will create 75 jobs (70% for women) and enhance access to clean energy for over 3,000 people, resulting in annual energy savings of EUR 370,000.