Preparations have started Namibia’s biggest biomass event of the year, with Standard Bank committing to be the main sponsor.
This year, the event will span three days, combining a research symposium, an industry conference and an expo for products, services and technology.
The fair will take place at Otjiwa Safari Lodge from 23 to 25 July.
Namibia Biomass Industry Group (NBIG) Chief Executive Officer Progress Kashandula in a media statement availed to Nampa on Wednesday said they expect the industry to upscale substantially in 2020.
“As the Namibian biomass industry group, we want to provide a bigger forum for the amazing opportunities this industry offers for all Namibians and the country at large,” he said.
Kashandula said consequently, the motto for this year’s fair is ‘discovering a new decade for biomass.’ The event will kick off with a research symposium, a high-level academic event with international and national speakers.“The symposium will be an opportunity to involve schools and learners in biomass related research,” he was quoted as saying.
Kashandula further said the industry conference will combine a high-level session with industry insights on trends and markets and international and national experts will present and discuss topics such as biomass export and trade as well as projects and opportunities for biomass to power.
“A spotlight will be on evolving value chains such as biochar and other high-value bush products as well as discussions on the development of the Namibian biomass industry,” he said.
On his part, Namibian Charcoal Association (NCA) manager, Michael Dege said Namibia’s most successful biomass value chain, the charcoal sector, will feature prominently throughout the fair.
“We are very much looking forward to engaging in all things charcoal with a wide range of stakeholders. Topics on our list include the place of retorts in the Namibian charcoal landscape, precision charcoal farming, accelerated FSC-managed farmland growth in Namibia, and biodiversity for charcoal producers,” Dege explained.
Visitors can look forward to a demonstration of technology for biomass, including for harvesting, processing, production of animal feed and charcoal, biomass to power and more.
Last year, the expo attracted 120 exhibitors and more than 1 700 visitors.