Cooperation fosters investments in biomass

The biomass sector has grown in leaps and bounds over the past 10 years, thanks largely to the cooperation between Namibia and Germany, which has seen significant investment into the biomass sector.

This was said by the minister of environment, forest and tourism, Pohamba Shifeta, in a speech read on his behalf by environment commissioner Timo Mufeti at the the Standard Bank Biomass Fair at Gross Barmen Resort, Okahandja.

According to a statement from the organisers, the event that ended on Saturday was attended by at least 150 delegates and 60 exhibitors who showcased different products.

“With last phase of investment into the biomass sector through the GIZ Bush Control and Biomass Utilisation Project coming to an end in March 2024, half a year from now, permit me at this stage to sincerely commend our all-season partnership with Germany in advancing social and economic development for both countries,” Shifeta said.

The minister added that the government, as the regulator, is yearning to work with the industry to ensure the bush biomass resources are exploited in a responsible manner to achieve rangeland restoration while safeguarding environmental wellbeing.

In his welcoming address Colin Lindeque, board chair of the Namibia Biomass Industry Group (N-BiG) said: “Summarising the Namibian biomass industry gets harder each year, as more and more is happening. That is a testimony for how diverse and intricate this industry is becoming.”

The statement said delegates agreed that the energy market can potentially upscale biomass utilisation radically.

Several wood pellet projects for export markets are currently being developed – an indication that the world is waking up to Namibia’s untapped bioenergy potential.

In Namibia, at least four industrial operations use bush biomass to replace fossil fuel for process heat. New small-scale energy generation systems, like the NamPower Otjikoto Biomass Project, which can produce power from biomass, could contribute to addressing rural electrification challenges.

“Our commitment to this event and the larger cause it represents stems from a deep belief in the transformative power of sustainable energy solutions and the pivotal role the biomass industry plays in shaping a greener future,” said Nelson Lucas, the acting chief executive of Standard Bank explaining why the bank has again committed to be the diamond sponsor.

While several budding biochar projects are closely linked to carbon removal credits and the improvement of agriculture, the most developed biomass value chain, the charcoal industry, continues to flourish, with steadily growing export volumes, renewed focus on by-products and investments into efficient production technologies.

Membership in the Charcoal Association of Namibia has grown from 280 in 2016 to 1 617 in August 2023.

Colin Knott, a rangeland management expert, reported from a comprehensive best practice study that a research team is undertaking on 30 sites across five biomes.

“Farmers can regenerate the land – we have found numerous success stories. But, doing nothing about heavily encroached bush, will lead to bankruptcy,” he said.

– email: matthew@namibian.com.na