Jord CEO Peder Dagsanth with residents of the village of DiassilameEcofin Agency | 27 May 2025

Swedish energy company Jord AB has secured 300 hectares of land in Sakar, southern Senegal, to develop a large-scale solid biofuel project. The land, officially allocated in May 2025, lies between the villages of Dassilamé and Taïba-Bodiancounda in the Sédhiou region and has remained unused for over two decades.

This initiative marks the first phase of a broader program that aims to cover up to 1,000 hectares, with an additional 700 hectares expected to be allocated in a subsequent stage. Jord Africa, the company’s local arm, plans to produce 50,000 tons of solid biofuel annually, contributing directly to Senegal’s target of reaching 40% renewable energy in its national electricity mix by 2030.

The project is aligned with the country’s climate and energy strategy and brings a multidimensional approach that combines land restoration, clean energy production, and rural development. It is also expected to catalyze local job creation and lay the foundation for a structured solid biofuel industry in Senegal.

Local leadership has strongly endorsed the initiative. Kemo Drame, mayor of Sakar, highlighted the project’s potential to transform the municipality. He noted that community members were well-informed and involved from the beginning, and he expects the project to deliver long-term benefits across education, healthcare, and living standards in the commune, which encompasses 32 villages and about 18,000 residents.

Jord is leveraging its operational experience in the Dominican Republic and plans to establish Senegal as a strategic platform for meeting Europe’s growing demand for low-carbon fuels. According to the company, European wood pellet imports surpassed 30 million tons in 2024, indicating strong market demand.

By developing a local bioenergy sector, the initiative aims to position Senegal as both a regional player in energy transition and a future exporter of renewable fuels.