Swedish renewable energy company Jord AB has secured 300 hectares of land in southern Senegal to launch a major biofuel project aimed at advancing rural development and supporting the country’s renewable energy goals, it has announced in a press release.

The company was granted the land by the Municipal Council of Sakar in the Sédhiou region. The allocation marks the first stage of a planned 1,000-hectare development, with a further 700 hectares expected to be approved in the coming weeks. The land has remained unused for more than 20 years. 

Jord Africa, a subsidiary of Jord AB, plans to cultivate the area to produce approximately 50,000 tonnes of solid biofuel annually. The output is intended to support Senegal’s national strategy to achieve 40% renewable energy by 2030.

The project is also expected to deliver social and environmental benefits, including land restoration, employment opportunities, and infrastructure improvement. According to Jord AB, the venture builds on a scalable model previously implemented in the Dominican Republic and is designed to align with European demand for carbon-negative fuels. Imports of wood pellets to the European Union surpassed 30mn tonnes in 2024, according to industry data.

“We are honoured by the trust placed in us by local authorities, our partners, and the surrounding communities. This land allocation marks the beginning of a shared journey toward sustainable development and lasting impact in Africa,” Jord CEO Peder Dagsánth said in the press release.

Local authorities have expressed support for the project. Municipality Project Coordinator Souaibou Cissè said it could "ease the burden on mothers, create jobs for our youth, and support the development of the entire municipality." Mayor Kemo Drame added that the initiative could bring improvements in education, healthcare, and local well-being.