LIONESS WEEKENDER COVER STORY
Green-Al Energy Biogas, a business providing fully off-grid biogas systems enabling customers to live more sustainable lives in Algeria.
Dr Kheira Benaissa is the founder of Green-AI Energy Biogas in Algeria. She is also author of the book "Production du méthane et du biofertiliseur: l'Energie verte des déchets" published on Amazon, PhD holder in waste management and pollution of ecosystems, scientific researcher, professor, businesswoman and a mother. She is working to provide practical solutions to socio-economic problems in Algeria's isolated desert regions. She has designed the first 15m3 biodigester in the town of Tamanrasset (southern Algeria) and created her environmental consultancy company "SYNERGY" to be more active in the field of environmental protection.
Since 2014, Kheira has been working with passion on anaerobic digestion to produce biogas, electricity and biofertilizer from organic waste and especially from the camel dung and food waste. Her project was also awarded the label of Innovative Project by the Algerian Ministry of Start-ups in September 2021. "Green-Al Energy start-up" won the "Ready to Invest" award during the A3C Challenge “Algerian Climate Challenge” in March 2022 for its prototype "Green-Al" mobile biodigester, and the Emerging Mediterranean award "Women in Entrepreneurship" in the same year. Green-AL Energy startup is also the winner of the UM6P France’s challenge intitled “Programme d'accélération Europe-Afrique UM6P France” February 2024. Her business has now created jobs for 5 people.
Lioness Weekender spoke to Dr Kheira Benaissa about her entrepreneurial journey, her passion for innovation and impact driven business, and her vision for the future.
What does your company do?
Green-Al Energy serves households, farmers, restaurants, canteens, refugees, camps, underserved communities and those seeking a sustainable lifestyle with biogas systems. Our pre-engineered, fully off-grid systems provide modular options to meet each of our customers' needs, enabling them to live healthier, more efficient, self-resilient and sustainable lives.
What inspired you to start your company?
The story of Green-Al began with me and a mission to make free and renewable energy accessible to nomads and residents in isolated areas in the South of Algeria. My journey spans more than 8 years, work and countless hours of R&D at the University of Tamanrasset as part of the preparation of her doctoral thesis in Waste Management and Ecosystem Pollution.
Why should anyone use your service or product?
1. Our biodigester is "portable" which is very easy to use. It transforms organic waste (agricultural waste, rest of meals, animal and human waste, etc.) into gas, electricity and biofertilizer. Currently our biodigester is available in two sizes to meet individuals and farms needs in terms of waste management, energy production and organic fertilizers, but in the near future it is planned to increase and diversify our product ranges (flexible PVC canvas biodigester with stove and electricity adapter).
2. We produce electricity unlike our competitors,
3. We have a creative business model,
4. We are less than 25% of our competitors,
5. Our kits are 100% recyclable, and they have a lifespan of 10-15 years.
6. We are a team of 05 courageous and fighting women.
Tell us a little about your team:
Courageous women engineers transforming the waste into a source of sustainable energy for isolated communities.
Share a little about your entrepreneurial journey. And do you come from an entrepreneurial background?
Green-Al's story began with the vision to provide free, renewable energy to nomads and residents in the remote regions of southern Algeria. With over eight years of dedication, research, and countless hours at the University of Tamanrasset, my doctoral work in Waste Management and Ecosystem Pollution laid the foundation for what Green-Al is today.
Now, Green-Al has grown into a close-knit team of five friends united by a shared passion and purpose. Their mission is clear: to develop eco-friendly solutions that not only benefit the environment but also empower communities to improve their lives through clean, renewable energy. This commitment drives the team's strong values and culture, centered around sustainability and making a meaningful impact.
So far, Green-Al's innovative waste-to-energy systems have helped 58 families, 2 urban parks in Tamanrasset, and 65 farms across Algeria, Mali and Niger achieve energy independence. Their work serves as a model for creating a brighter, more sustainable future for both present and future generations.
What are your future plans and aspirations for your company?
Our future aspirations are to make our product more accessible to European and American customers, expand into new markets globally, and develop a carbon credits business model.
What gives you the most satisfaction being an entrepreneur?
As an entrepreneur, what gives me the most satisfaction is the ability to follow my passion and fulfillment in life while also having the flexibility to spend valuable time with my family.
What's the biggest piece of advice you can give to other women looking to start-up?
The best piece of advice I can give to other women looking to start up is to trust in their vision, stay resilient through challenges, and create a balance that aligns with their personal fulfillment and personal & family priorities.
To find out more about Kheira’s work and her business, Green-AI Energy Biogas, send an email to: nawel@green-al.com or visit the company website and social media platforms:
Website: https://www.green-al.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100083961852300&sfnsn=mo
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/green_alenergy?igsh=ZXkzYzljYTl5OGt6
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@greenal967?si=T2JuZTsc35vKPM6v
