AOG transfers ownership of Addax Bioenergy Sierra Leone

30 September 2016

AOG has transferred 75.1% ownership of Addax Bioenergy (SL) Limited (‘Addax Bioenergy’), its sugarcane bioethanol and renewable electricity operation in Makeni, Sierra Leone, to a group of investors led by Sunbird Bioenergy Africa Limited (‘Sunbird Bioenergy group’). AOG is keeping a minority interest of 24.9% as a mark of its confidence in the future of the business, while Sunbird Bioenergy group will provide the additional financing to take the project to full commercial operation. This handover is made by way of a capital injection by Sunbird Bioenergy group into Addax Bioenergy.

“We are pleased to have found a new majority owner who is passionate about bioenergy and who has a focus on sustainable energy solutions that integrate local communities,” commented AOG founder and Chairman, Jean Claude Gandur.

Sunbird Bioenergy Africa, which will manage and run the operation in Makeni, is an energy company with a portfolio of sustainable biofuel projects in sub-Saharan Africa. It takes a comprehensive approach to biofuel projects, which includes fair agricultural land leases, sustainable farming and feedstock production, world class biorefineries, as well as inclusive community development and improved livelihoods.

“We look forward to building on the achievements of Addax Bioenergy in Sierra Leone, and restarting commercial operations as soon as possible. This opportunity is a perfect fit with our philosophy and development strategy,” said Sunbird Bioenergy’s Director, Richard Bennett. “The operation functions on the principles of sustainable biofuels, sustainable local community development and a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions, thereby contributing towards regional climate change goals. At Sunbird Bioenergy, we operate and champion these same principles.”

The President of Sierra Leone, His Excellency Dr Ernest Bai Koroma also expressed his support for the transfer: “AOG is part of our family in Sierra Leone. They have successfully established this bioethanol operation in our country, which will also feed much-needed electricity into our national grid. We thank them for their approach, which ensures that local communities benefit from the business, and for their commitment to the country, even in challenging times. We look forward to Sunbird Bioenergy carrying on their work and taking the project forward to commercial success.”

As part of its commitment to Sierra Leone, AOG has been working with the government for some time to help enhance the country’s energy strategy. AOG is pleased to say that good progress has been made towards the development of an ethanol blending policy by the government. This is part of the government’s commitment to the global effort to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, while also reducing fuel imports to save foreign exchange and improving energy security.