BIOMASS ENERGY

Biomass: 500 MW until 2025

Biomass energy results from the combustion of various types of by-products. There are essentially four different types of residues derived from biomass:

  • Forest residues and energy crops;
  • Agro-food industry residues (especially sugar cane);
  • Agricultural and livestock residues;
  • Biodegradable industrial and municipal waste;

The highest potential being concentrated in the first two types of residues, according to the “Strategy and Atlas of New Renewable Energy” (map below), a total of 43 potential biomass-based power generation projects were identified, totaling an overall power of 4 GW (3,4 GW of which issued from forest residues). The Central region (provinces of Huambo, Bie and Benguela) and the Eastern region (provinces of Moxico, Lunda Sul and Lunda Norte) are
the most favorable areas in terms of resources (forestry and agri-food industry), almost all provinces presenting enough potential with the exception of Namibe.
The national strategy for new renewables is strongly committed to biomass as an energy source with a target of 500 MW by 2025.

The main share is attributed to hydrothermal project with 300 MW, which takes advantage of existing forest areas in the central region of the country. The Biocom project (sugar production) in the province of Malange, plans to produce about 100 MW by 2025.

In terms of forest residues and agro-food industry another 10 MW are expected in projects related to the rehabilitation of ancient smaller sugar factories and about 40 MW for forest-based biomass projects in the country’s eastern provinces that can replace diesel generation, boosting a the same time florest exploitation and replanting of deforested areas around the capitals of the concerned provinces.

Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) have a significant potential, however this potential is concentrated in major urban areas such as Luanda and the Alto Catumbela - Benguela – Lobito axis. The strategy includes a target of 50 MW in order to enable the development of waste-fuels incineration projects.

ATLAS, POTENTIAL PROJECTS AND BIOMASS PROJECTS