Biomass Fair slated for September

A two-day Biomass Fair, comprising a research symposium and an industry conference, will be held from 7 to 8 September in Windhoek.The event is being hosted by the Namibia Biomass Industry Group (N-BiG), the Charcoal Association of Namibia (CAoN), and the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST).It is organised in collaboration with the World Bioenergy Association, the German Bioenergy Association and the Bush Control and Biomass Utilisation Project, and implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH.This year’s Biomass Fair received diamond sponsorship from Standard Bank Namibia, and will take place under the theme &#039;Discovering a new decade for biomass’&#039;.To accommodate the large audience and interest from international, regional, and local stakeholders, the two-day event will be held in a hybrid format, with video-streamed presentations and interactive panel discussions following each session.MenuThe first day will kick off with a symposium bringing together the biomass academic and research communities to discuss the scientific advances, innovations, and solutions in biomass utilisation and bush control, with the aim of advancing research and market uptake.It is an opportunity for scientists, university students and entrepreneurs to keep up to date with the latest scientific research and developments.NUST is coordinating the symposium.The second day will focus on industry developments related to environmental issues, legal and regulatory frameworks, biomass value chains, market and finance, access, technology transfer, and certification services.In partnership with the World Bioenergy Association, the German Bioenergy Association, the conference will feature over 15 high-level local and international speakers to engage the audience on trends, opportunities, and other biomass-related topics.Blossoming growthThe national strategy for the sustainable management of bush resources in Namibia (2022–2027) is also expected to be launched at this conference."Investing in platforms such as the biomass fair contributes immensely to our organisations&#039; purpose. Namibia is our home; we drive her growth. We are currently investigating and financing many domains of clean renewable energy and have high expectations for the future of these resources, including biomass. The collaboration with the biomass fair event organisers helps us to educate people on the possibilities that lie in this infant industry," said Magreth Mengo, Standard Bank Namibia’s head of marketing, communication, and corporate social investment.The Biomass Fair is an annual event to showcase the blossoming bush biomass sector in Namibia and the region at large.The fair provides an excellent opportunity for networking and exchanging knowledge and best practices on bush control and biomass utilisation.Successful startThe event started in 2018 as a biomass technology demonstration day at the Cheetah Conservation Fund with approximately 300 visitors and 30 local exhibitors.The success of this pilot paved the way for the annual biomass event.In 2019, the Biomass Technology Expo drew over 1 500 international, regional, and local visitors as well as 120 exhibitors to Otjiwa Lodge in the Otjozondjupa Region, the central hub of bush biomass activities in Namibia.To supplement the financial efforts of the implementing partners, an annual call for sponsorships is advertised for interested companies.The bush-biomass sector has the potential to contribute to socio-economic development and an inclusive bioeconomy for Namibia.The Biomass Fair strengthens the knowledge exchange platform for the sector and provides an excellent opportunity for networking.

Biomass Fair slated for September

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-22

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Biomass Fair slated for September

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-22

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