A vibrant Tunisian entrepreneur has discovered an innovative way to transform the abundant olive waste generated from oil production into a valuable source of fuel. This remarkable initiative not only helps combat deforestation and reduce carbon emissions but also fosters economic growth in the region.

The entrepreneur, Yassine Khelifi, has successfully launched a thriving business called Bioheat, which specializes in producing and selling briquettes made from olive waste. This venture has created job opportunities for ten individuals and contributes positively to both the local and international markets.

Tunisia, nestled between Libya and Algeria, is renowned for its agricultural prowess, particularly in olive cultivation that dates back to Roman times. As the world’s third-largest producer of olive oil and the second-largest exporter of dates, the country has a rich agricultural heritage that plays a vital role in its economic development.

However, the production of olive oil comes with a significant byproduct: approximately 600,000 tons of olive pomace accumulate each year. Traditionally, rural households have utilized this waste as fuel or animal feed, but the volume generated has outstripped local demand.

Curious about the potential of this material, Khelifi, an engineer from northern Tunisia, pondered, “Why not turn it into energy?” His journey began in 2018 when he traveled to Europe, seeking machinery capable of converting olive pomace into fuel. After sourcing the necessary equipment and spending three years perfecting the process, he successfully created briquettes with an impressive 8% moisture content.

These briquettes are not only efficient but also have a shorter drying time compared to traditional firewood, making them a practical choice for many. At his factory, workers skillfully prepare truckloads of olive waste, allowing them to dry under the sun before processing them into long, hollow rolls that are cut, packaged, and sold.

One local pizza shop owner switched to using Bioheat briquettes to minimize the smoke from his wood-fired oven, which had been bothersome to neighbors. He shared that the briquettes “carry the soul of Tunisian olives and give the pizza a special flavor,” while many customers reported a significant reduction in their heating costs by one-third.

Currently, about 60% of the briquettes produced are exported, and Khelifi is optimistic about reaching a production goal of 600 tons by year’s end, which would account for 1% of the country’s olive waste. This achievement is significant, especially considering the vast scale of olive production in Tunisia, which can be appreciated by anyone who has traveled along the northern or eastern coast or visited the picturesque island of Djerba.

Khelifi’s inspiring journey exemplifies the positive impact of entrepreneurship in the developing world. His dedication to sustainability and innovation is a shining example of how good ideas can lead to meaningful change, benefiting both the environment and the economy.