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 DEKELOIL
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Environmental policy
DekelOil, continuing the tradition of the Rasin Group, of which it is a member, is sensitive to ecological concerns. In line with the Group's environmental policy, it places emphasis on the conservation of the planet's resources and on projects that benefit the environment, to the extent possible. The clean energy enterprise in Ivory Coast is a prime example of such a project, conforming with the vision and mission of RSPO (Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil – www.rspo.org), which advocates the sustainable production of palm oil in terms of economic performance as well as social and environmental responsibility.
Biodiesel is a cleaner, safer, renewable and biodegradable source of energy. As it emits significantly smaller quantities of particulate matter, hydrocarbons, sulfates and cancer-causing air toxics than petroleum diesel, it helps combat global warming and benefits the environment. Biodiesel can emit more nitrous oxide, which is a smog-forming compound; however, due to its lower hydrocarbon emissions, its overall smog-creating potential is 50% lower than that of traditional diesel. Therefore, the sale of palm oil used as feedstock in the manufacture of biodiesel will contribute to the reduction of harmful greenhouse gas emission into the atmosphere.
DekelOil's project is based on palm oil extracted from palms growing on existing plantations in Ivory Coast, as well as on palms that will be planted on open areas secured by the company for the purpose of expansion – without the need to cut down rainforests.
Furthermore, the replacement of existing, low-yielding oil palms with higher yielding ones will enable to supply a larger quantity of oil per hectare. DekelOil will conduct research and development activities aimed at developing improved palm oil seeds, which will produce even higher yielding palms, whose fruit can be harvested all year round. Consequently, the same area of palm oil plantations will supply a significantly greater quantity of palm oil than it presently provides. The use of these seeds, which may be sold to other growers as well, will ultimately enable to supply a greater share of the demand on a smaller land area, thus reducing the risk of deforestation in other countries as well.
Additionally, DekelOil has undertaken to invest in specialized water treatment systems that will comply with environmental standards and regulation. The company also intends to use the residual waste after oil extraction as fertilizers and for electricity generation.
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