Namibia’s vast encroacher bush offers a unique opportunity to restore rangelands, improve agricultural productivity, and create jobs – but sustainability must guide every step of the way. By combining responsible bush thinning with value-added products such as charcoal, bush-based animal feed, and biochar, Namibia can turn an environmental challenge into an economic opportunity. With over […]
Author Archives: Julian
17
Jan
Jan
The ambitious EU-funded SteamBioAfrica project set out to address these multiple challenges. The key aim was to demonstrate that an innovative process called superheated steam torrefaction could be used to transform bush plants into a solid biofuel with coal-like properties. “We wanted to show that the bush could be used as fuel, without the need […]
11
Dec
Dec
Wishing you a season filled with joy, success, and prosperity! Happy Holidays from all of us at Namibia Biomass Industry Group (N-BiG)! May the festivities bring laughter and great memories. Here’s to a bright and sustainable New Year!
25
Nov
Nov
Did you know? N-BiG was appointed as the National Supporting Body for SURE Certification, marking Namibia as the first African country to hold this role. This partnership aims to promote sustainable biomass certification, expand global market access, and foster collaboration with Certification Bodies to certify companies in the biomass value chain. Learn more about how […]
18
Nov
Nov
To commemorate the start of the Otjikoto 40 MW Biomass Power Station Project, NamPower hosted a groundbreaking ceremony. The first biomass-based power producing facility in Namibia is located outside of Tsumeb, close to the Otjikoto Substation. This innovative project will address bush encroachment to generate affordable base load electricity. Through job creation, skill development, and […]
11
Nov
Nov
N-BiG hosted a delegation from Uganda, with special guest Mr. Johnson Ndokosho, Director of Forestry from the Ministry of Environment, Forestry & Tourism (MEFT), who shared valuable insights on regulatory measures. The purpose of the Ugandan visit was to gain a comprehensive understanding of Namibia’s biomass sector, with a particular focus on charcoal production, certification, […]
05
Nov
Nov
NBIG is currently conducting training for 132 National Youth Service Students at the NYS farm, Gemsbok, located around 80 km from the NYS center. The participants are divided into three groups, each undergoing two days of comprehensive theoretical and practical training on sustainable bush control and biomass utilisation. #Trainings #capacitybuilding #biomass #sustainability #biomassquantification
31
Oct
Oct
NamPower is inviting bids for consultancy services to support the implementation and management of the FSC Group Scheme at the Otjikoto Biomass Power Station. Pre-Bid Meeting: 5 November 2024 Bid Deadline: 9 December 2024 Bid Documents: https://www.nampower.com.na/Bid.aspx?id=252031 For any inquiries, please contact the Procurement Management Unit at Tel: +264 61 205 2324 or Email:Biomass.procurement@nampower.com.na.
25
Oct
Oct
On 11th of October 2024, the European Commission sent the voluntary certification schemes, including SUSTAINABLE RESOURCES Verification Scheme, the so-called ‘Assessment Protocol Template’. This document forms the basis for applying for recognition under RED III. SURE is currently working intensively on adapting the SURE-EU scheme principles to the new requirements of RED III. The focus […]
27
Sep
Sep
N-BiG facilitated a two day intensive training to equip Agribank staff with the knowledge and skills needed to better understand the biomass sector and effectively evaluate and issue loans for biomass projects, especially for SMEs and the broader business community. The training provides both theoretical and practical insights into Bush Control and Biomass Utilisation, focusing […]