Rolls-Royce Powers Africa’s First Rice Straw MDF Plant with Sustainable Energy
Rolls-Royce has successfully commissioned ten advanced mtu gas gensets in northern Egypt’s Beheira province, delivering sustainable electricity to the Egyptian Wood Technology Company (WOTECH) facility. The plant, Africa’s first to produce medium-density fibreboard (MDF) from rice straw, operates entirely off-grid, powered by the mtu gensets, which collectively generate 25 megawatts of reliable electricity.
Innovative Use of Rice Straw
WOTECH transforms rice straw, a by-product of rice cultivation often burned in the region, into high-quality MDF. This process provides a sustainable alternative to wood, commonly used in furniture, doors, cabinets, and construction materials. By repurposing rice straw, the plant significantly reduces air pollution and CO2 emissions, aligning with environmental goals supported by Egypt’s petroleum ministry.
A First for Africa
The WOTECH facility is not only the first of its kind in Africa but also one of only two such plants worldwide. It represents a significant step in the region’s industrial and environmental innovation, utilizing local resources to create products that support global sustainability goals.
High-Performance Power Solutions
Rolls-Royce collaborated with local partners Engineering for Industries Co. (INDE) and the Egyptian Maintenance Company (EMC) to supply the cutting-edge mtu Series 4000 L64 FNER gensets, complete with controls and accessories. Each genset has a rated power of 2,500 kW and an operational lifespan of up to 84,000 hours before requiring major overhauls.
Tobias Ostermaier, President of Stationary Power Solutions at Rolls-Royce, emphasized the importance of dependable power solutions for off-grid projects:
“When supporting a project such as the WOTECH facility, where there is no access to the grid utility, the dependability of our mtu gas-powered gensets is paramount. Working with INDE and EMC, we delivered a power solution that met all the customer requirements—efficiency, reliability, and low emissions.”
Local Investment in Sustainability
The WOTECH project, funded entirely with Egyptian capital from the oil sector, highlights the nation’s commitment to fostering local innovation and sustainable industrial practices.
Pioneering Energy and Environmental Sustainability in Africa
By using rice straw to produce MDF, WOTECH not only addresses environmental challenges but also showcases the potential for innovative energy solutions in Africa. This initiative underscores the role of reliable, low-emission power systems in advancing off-grid industrial projects while promoting a greener future.
