Qatari Al Mana Group plans to build $15.6mn biodiesel plant in Egypt

Qatari Al Mana Group plans to establish a new plant in Egypt to produce biodiesel, with investments amounting to $15.6mn, MENA reported on February 24. 

The new plant will specialise in processing used cooking oil, a significant waste product from restaurants, hotels, and households, converting it into biodiesel with a daily production capacity of 100 tonnes. The project will also include the creation of a system for collecting and transporting used cooking oil.

Egypt's annual consumption of cooking oils is nearly 2.8mn tonnes, resulting in around 2.6mn tonnes of used oil, according to a statement from the Ministry of Local Development.

During a meeting with a delegation from Al Mana Group, Minister of Local Development and Environment, Manal Awad, said the ministry is relying on private sector partnerships to improve waste management and ensure the safe disposal of used oils and other waste. 

The development is part of the country’s vision of transitioning to a circular economy. She mentioned that seven companies are currently licensed by the Waste Management Regulatory Authority to collect used cooking oils.

The Al Mana delegation expressed their intention to expand within the Egyptian market by implementing the biodiesel project and sought to secure a location within the Integrated Waste Management City in 10th of Ramadan. The plant would enable the establishment of a comprehensive system for collecting used oil from factories, companies, and restaurants that fry food.

Awad requested a detailed proposal, including a master plan for the new plant's location, proposed collaboration mechanisms, and a timeline for implementation, along with a clear incentive system to encourage women to participate in collecting used cooking oil.

Al Mana is a diverse Qatari conglomerate active in automotive, retail, real estate, and F&B, representing major brands like Nissan, Coca-Cola, and Harvey Nichols. The group also operates in engineering, industrial contracting, and media, providing specialised services for Qatar's oil, gas, and infrastructure sectors.