Biomass industry gears up for fair

Preparations have kicked off for Namibia's biggest biomass event of the year, with Standard Bank committing as the main sponsor. The Standard Bank Biomass Fair 2020 will take place at Otjiwa Safari Lodge from 23 to 25 July. This year the event will span over three days, combining a research symposium, an industry conference and an expo for products, services and technology.“One day is not enough – that is the feedback we got from visitors and exhibitors last year. This year, we are therefore adding dedicated research and industry days,” said Progress Kashandula, the newly appointed CEO of the Namibia Biomass Industry Group (NBiG). Kashandula took over from Colin Lindeque. “We expect 2020 to be a year for the industry to upscale substantially. 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.”Consequently, the motto for this year's fair is 'Discovering a New Decade for Biomass'. The event will kick-off with a research symposium on 23 July. A high-level academic event with international and national speakers, the symposium will also be an opportunity to involve schools and learners in biomass-related research.The industry conference on 24 July will combine a high-level session with industry insights on trends and markets. 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.Namibia's most successful biomass value chain, the charcoal sector, will feature prominently throughout the fair. “We are very much looking forward to engaging on all things charcoal with a wide range of stakeholders,” says Michael Degé, manager of the Namibian Charcoal Association (NCA). “Topics on our list include the place of retorts in the Namibian charcoal landscape, precision charcoal farming (FSC), accelerated FSC-managed farmland growth in Namibia and biodiversity for charcoal producers.”Finally, 25 July will be dedicated to technology, products and services. At the expo, visitors will enjoy a demonstration of technology for biomass, including the harvesting, processing, production of animal feed and charcoal, biomass to power and more. A wide range of service providers will also exhibit. Last year, the expo attracted 120 exhibitors and more than 1 700 visitors. The organisers are positive that these numbers will be surpassed by far this year. Large crowds are expected at this family-friendly event.A networking dinner for biomass buyers and sellers and even a “concert in the bush” are also scheduled throughout the fair days. Event organisers point out that more sponsoring opportunities are available and that a range of packages are offered to suit specific needs. Companies interested in sponsoring the event or exhibiting at the expo can contact Roelien Coffee at roelien@biomassfair.com.na for further information.STAFF REPORTER

Biomass industry gears up for fair

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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Biomass industry gears up for fair

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Namibian Sun 2025-06-18

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