A feasibility study into the South African Forestry Company’s (Safcol’s) proposed 20-MW cogeneration project has been completed, with management and cofunders now expected to decide on the way forward for the project.

In October, Safcol had shortlisted three candidates to undertake the feasibility study, eventually awarding the contract to Jabenzi, Safcol spokesperson Leslie Mudimeli reported.

“The results of the feasibility sets out the resource available for a green energy project within the Sabie region, in Mpumalanga, a financial model, logistical requirements and recommended technologies,” Mudimeli noted.

Safcol would now discuss the report with management and cofunders to decide on the way forward, he said.

However, the company was still looking for a funding partner for the cogeneration plant.

Safcol had earlier determined that the amount of wood waste, the anticipated waste from other sectors, such as agricultural waste, and municipal organic waste, could allow it to produce about 20 MW of electricity, but final determinations would still have to be made.

A final decision on which technology would be used, has also not yet been determined.

Mudimeli had highlighted in earlier interviews that combustion, pyrolysis and gasification were the three conversional methodologies that had already been identified as possibilities.

Meanwhile, the project remained a priority for the company, despite the fact that South Africa’s energy demand had in the short term declined, owing to a number of industrial and mining operations being put on care-and-maintenance as a result of the global economic crisis.