Wakonda SpA and Carbon Neutral Energy Systems (C-NES) Sign Formal Collaboration Agreement
Wakonda SpA the Italian specialist agricultural biorefineries company and South African mining diversified renewable energy leader Carbon Neutral Energy Systems (Pty) Ltd (C-NES) have signed a formal agreement to collaborate on research and development. The agreement was signed at the Wakonda SpA offices in Rome, Italy, in October 2023.
Wakonda develops biomass technologies and plant nutrition projects using densely planted spineless Opuntia ficus indica as a feedstock for biomass energy and nutritional, products. These technologies include the micropropagation of the cladodes, mechanical cladode transplanters, mechanical weeders, advanced mechanical harvesters and a wide array of processing machines specifically developed for Opuntia ficus indica.
C-NES similarly develops technologies around spineless Opuntia ficus indica, and specialises in the development of carbon neutral fuels for the mining industry. In collaboration with the Universities of Cape Town and the Free State, C-NES focuses primarily on derivatives of CO2 and biomethane produced by the anaerobic digestion of spineless Opuntia ficus indica and other suitable feedstocks at utility scale. The programme takes as systems-based approach to integrated technologies and value chain economics. C-NES’ differentiator is that the company takes a systems-based approach to integrating established and mature technologies to produce carbon neutral fuels as well as nutritional products for both humans and livestock
Both Wakonda and C-NES specialize in the dense planting of the Opuntia varietals and have similar lines of products. Wakonda also has a close research and development relationship with the Universities of Pisa and Milan, who have been incorporated into the UCT/UFS academic collaboration.
C-NES’ Prof. Michael Solomon with Wakonda’s Andrea Ortenzi and Dr. Fabrizio Sibilla at Wakonda’s Opuntia biomass plantation in Italy.
Fundamental to the C-NES approach is also the attention paid to incorporating community participation in the cultivation of the feedstock crops and the fabrication of derivative products such as animal healthcare products, nutraceuticals and cosmetics. The methodologies and systems developed by this joint venture are immediately implementable will make a substantial contribution to reducing the carbon footprint impact of mining as one of the globally most pollutive industries while providing for a sustainable, post-mining economic future for mining impacted communities. This imperative encapsulates the Just Transition ambition of the programme.
“We are delighted to join forces with C-NES, in sharing our respective experience in the cultivation and processing of Opuntia ficus indica. As an Italian company this provides is with a with firm footprint on African continent where these technologies will have most impact and we can make a significant contribution to African food security, local development and the quest for carbon neutrality.”
Prof. Michael Solomon, the Chief Executive of C-NES commended Wakonda’s progress in developing its product portfolio and is impressed by the standard of both agronomy and product lines being marketed by Wakonda in Italy. This strategic alliance will give C-NES access to European and global markets as well as creating an extensive geographic footprint for both companies.
Dr. Fabrizio Sibilla, Chief Technical Officer Wakonda and James Browne, Chief Operating Officer of C-NES, agreed and have committed to operational collaboration commencing in early 2024.
Wakonda’s Dr. Fabrizio Sibilla and C-NES’ James Browne during C-NES’ first visit to Italy in June 2023.