"Global Biofuels Limited is establishing the first refinery for the production of bioethanol from sweet sorghum - for blending with petrol (E10) for use by normal cars in Nigeria," notes Frost and Sullivan Programme Manager, Mani James.

"The company will also produce bio-diesel from safflower, (an oilseed crop not used for food) to power industries and electric power generators, of which Nigeria is the largest consumers worldwide."

Thus, Global Biofuels Limited has devised an innovative solution to the feedstock controversy (food vs. fuel) in Africa by using sweet sorghum and safflower, while other companies use cassava and corn, both of which are staple foods.

The grains of sweet sorghum will continue to be used for human and animal consumption, while the sugar-rich stalks (which previously had no economic value to the farmer) are used for ethanol production and the waste cellulose material (bagasse) is burned for electricity generation.

"This ensures that the company is self sufficient in power generation for its use, while the balance is sold to the national grid to generate additional revenue," remarks James.

"The company is in partnership with the International Crops Research Institute for Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT), Praj Industries Ltd and the Institute for Agricultural Research (IAR) Samaru to ensure that the optimal cultivar of sweet sorghum is used."

Praj Industries Limited has won a contract to construct production facilities with a projected daily output of 200,000 litres of ethanol and 100,000 litres of diesel. The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) is supporting Global Biofuels Ltd to ensure the realisation of this project.

Global Biofuels Limited is anticipated to start bio-ethanol and bio-diesel production in 2009 with an initial production capacity of 27 million litres per year of biofuels and 30 million per annum of biodiesel.

This equates to 3 per cent of the total Nigerian transport fuel market in 2009. Global Biofuels Limited's capacity is expected to increase to 600 million litres per annum in 2014, a significant increase in market share to 66.67 per cent, thereby making it a dominant market participant.

"Global Biofuels Limited is committed to sustainable biofuel production in Nigeria; its operations will stimulate rural development and large scale commercial agricultural production with attendant job creation and technology transfer," comments James.

"It is estimated that Global Biofuels Limited's initiative will create approximately 58,000 jobs in each of its area of operation, even as it supports rural and agricultural development, reduces its carbon footprint and converts wastes to wealth."

The Frost and Sullivan Award for Emerging Company is presented to the company that has emerged as a significant participant within its industry.

This company is perceived to have exhibited outstanding management, superior market growth, exceptional customer service and the ability to combine technology and successful strategic initiatives. This company has the exceptional know-how to take advantage of market changes through the execution of innovative strategies within the existing competitive landscape.

Frost and Sullivan Best Practices Awards recognise companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development.

Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research in order to identify best practices in the industry.

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