Innovative biomass initiative launched in Namibia

The ButoVal Research Project was officially launched on 11 March 2025 in Witvlei, Namibia.
This strategic initiative aims to enact sustainable biomass utilisation to address the adverse effects of bush encroachment in the country.
The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and is supported by the  German Aerospace Centre (DLR).
According to the organisers, the ButoVal Research Project is not just about improving the quality of biomass or enhancing technology — it is about creating a systemic shift that contributes to a circular economy, a framework designed to minimise waste and make the most of available resources.
A key innovation of the ButoVal project is the development of a compactor that enables bush material to be compressed into transportable “bush cigars,” and 1,000 tonnes of biomass have already been and are stored on site for further processing.
The production process includes cutting, rotary debarking, screening, milling, and de-sanding to produce wood and feed pellets, as well as high-quality raw materials for charcoal and fuel production.
Meanwhile, initial tests show that the project successfully addresses key challenges in bush processing, including transportability, removal of contaminants, and compliance with industrial quality standards.
More tests will be conducted over the next 13 months to gather techno-economic data needed to develop the pilot into a full-scale industrial operation.