We all understand (or should do by now) the importance of alternative fuel being developed and encouraged in South Africa and the rest of the world. 

Why is it that things are being made so difficult for those putting in the effort?

Also, as with all emerging markets, those who get in early expect to make some money from it.  An accepted economic fact for those lucky enough to survive the roadblocks along the way.  

Here I refer specifically to those NGO's and entrepreneurs that support the 'cause'.  'Big Business' seem to want to gather in the 'little okes', check out their research and development, gobble them up only to spit them out in the not-too-distant future.  OK, some financial help to survive and grow is a wonderful carrot; but at what cost?  And what is the rest of the country going to really benefit by this?

My personal little view is that, although big business and government has the moral and legal responsibility  and financial clout to DO something about the alternative fuel and energy issues (and they ARE doing something, I am told), I believe that the decentralising of energy and biofuel is the key.   This will create some much-needed jobs, skills, education, slow down urbanisation, empower a larger number of people and communities in the ways that matter most.

Feedstock oil for the manufacturing of biodiesel is a problem.  A growing one at that.  In South Africa we are limited to certain traditional food crops for feedstock (Jatropha not being allowed yet; and algae technology still being developed).  Feedstock oil is therefore being imported at huge cost (up to R14 per litre) from countries and companies/individuals that (rightly) see the opportunity to make hay while the sun shines.  

Not to be outdone, many local companies have leapt onto the bandwagon and are charging premium prices for used vegetable oil and stuff that is sometimes really of questionable quality and content.

Being a manufacturer of small biodiesel processing units, Bioman Energy discusses this scenario with clients on a daily basis.  The bottom line is:  how will the the deadline for a biodiesel blend in 2013 be met if the small manufacturer of biodiesel is not encouraged by govenment with the introduction of some means of support to  import feedstock oil and/or the planting of the high-yield crops that will be neccessary to achieve this goal?

The planting of feedstock crops by communities (supported by NGO's and government), I believe will create more empowerment than would the large-scale control and planting of feedstock crops by 'international investors' and large companies.   The question here should be:  Is it for South African use or for export?   If not for South African use, then NO!  No exploitation!  We look after our own people and their needs first.  International companies should take their money-carrots elsewhere!