Biomass a sustainable solution for energy independence

With a country rich in natural resources and untapped potential, Namibia is on a transformative journey to diversify its economy and create opportunities for its people beyond the confines of its traditional mining sector.

According to Margareth Gustavo, executive director of strategy and branding at the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), the aim is to position Namibia as a prime investment destination and drive policy reforms that will shape its economic future.

This was said during the Biomass Fair that took place in Okahandja last week. "One of our core responsibilities is to attract investments into the country."

She explained that at the forefront of their strategic focus is renewable energy. "Energy security is the foundation upon which all other industries rely. Without a stable energy supply, Namibia cannot realise its full economic potential," she said, adding that they believe a secure energy future is not only a necessity but also an opportunity for sustainable growth.

"As we harness the power of renewable resources, we pave the way for a brighter future for our nation."

Sustainable outcomes

Colin Lindeque, managing director at Carbon Capital, spoke about investing in green technologies in Namibia, saying that in our quest to address pressing environmental issues and build a more sustainable future, we often turn to green technologies.

"These innovations are designed to mitigate or even reverse the negative impacts of human activity on the environment."

He said that navigating the complex landscape of green technology in sustainable projects requires a comprehensive and pragmatic approach.

According to him, developers must carefully weigh the choice between proven and unproven technology, adapt innovations to local conditions, ensure spare parts availability, and avoid unnecessary reinvention.

"Understanding and managing risks throughout the project development cycle is essential for achieving successful and sustainable outcomes."

Opportunities to learn

Tangeni Tshivute, the project manager for the 40 MW Otjikoto Biomass Project at NamPower, spoke about turning biomass into electricity. In the pursuit of energy independence and a cleaner, more sustainable future, Namibia is turning to the untapped potential of biomass power.

"This innovative approach utilises encroached bush and other biomass resources to generate baseload power while simultaneously addressing environmental and economic challenges," he explained.

However, a critical aspect has been the procurement of biomass fuel. "The procurement process faced setbacks, resulting in delays. However, these challenges have not deterred us; instead, they have provided an opportunity to learn, adapt, and reposition ourselves for success."

They have recently concluded their long-term fuel supply agreements, securing a consistent source of biomass fuel for their power station. "These agreements encompass both mechanised and manual harvesting methods, with a focus on encouraging smaller-scale farmers and stakeholders to participate in the biomass supply chain."

By providing opportunities for diverse contributors, they aim to foster economic growth and create a more inclusive energy sector.