(Ecofin Agency) - Afrox has revealed plans to partner with a start-up Biogas Company in order to produce quality carbon dioxide (CO₂) and methane for distribution to industries in the Western Cape which have been suffering from shortages of CO₂.

“Initially, we expect to produce between 18 t and 30 t a day of CO2, which will benefit wastewater treatment applications, as well as the food and beverage industries. The nearest CO₂ source is in Mossel Bay, which is more than 380 km away, so this new biogas plant, which will come on stream early 2017, will dramatically improve supply.” Afrox sales and marketing GM Nazmi Adams said.

The South African industrial gas major is to buy the methane from the new plant which will be marketed as compressed natural gas (CNG), containing more than 94% methane. “South Africa has for years faced serious shortages of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and we are exploring opportunities where liquefied natural gas (LNG) or CNG will replace our dependence on the local oil refineries for LPG,” Adams told Engineering news.