Agro-industrial company Somdia, a subsidiary of the Castel Group, is set to inaugurate the Republic of Congo’s first ethanol distillery this June in the town of Nkayi. The facility, with a daily production capacity of 50 cubic meters—equivalent to over 6 million litres annually—will fully cover the country’s current ethanol needs, estimated at 5.5 million litres per year, reports Energy Capital & Power.
The new distillery will convert 25,000 tons of molasses, a by-product from sugar refining, into food-grade ethanol. The raw material will be supplied by Saris Congo, Somdia’s sugar production arm. Most of the ethanol will be used in the beverage industry, including by Castel Group, helping reduce dependence on imports and ensuring a stable local supply.
The project supports Somdia’s broader goal of turning agricultural residues into local energy solutions.
Started in 2023, the project represents a €23 million investment over two years and involves several industrial partners, including Praj, Congo Contracting, and Ponticelli. The launch coincides with the beginning of the annual sugarcane harvest.
“This is a proud moment for Somdia, Saris, and all our teams,” said Olivier Parent, CEO of Somdia. “Their dedication helped us overcome technical and human challenges to make this project a reality. It highlights our commitment to using local resources and supporting the economic development of the countries where we work.”
