The project includes the development of an ethanol production plant using by-products from the sugar mill. The ethanol will be used as a fuel for transport and will help to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions of the transport sector. The project also includes processing waste from the sugar mill and elsewhere into liquid fertiliser, and the planting of 3000 hectares of trees on marginal grazing land. As well as producing biodiversity benefits, the plantation will produce thinnings for use in the production of renewable energy and saw logs. This Deed of Agreement will cover performance of the project, and will include details such as the milestones against which payments will be made, reporting requirements and delivery of the agreed abatement.
Negotiations are currently under way.
It is anticipated that further information, including starting dates, will be available once these negotiations have been finalised.