CBEND - Bush to Electricity

Combating bush encroachment for Namibia’s development

CBEND is a proof-of-concept project which will identify, procure and install one approximately 0.5 MW bush-to-electricity power generating plant in a densely bush encroached area of Namibia. Fuel for the power plant will be derived from harvested invader bush, using mainly bush thinning rather than bush clearing techniques, and electricity produced will be supplied to the national grid. The technology considered is wood gasification. Although the project dedicates significant resources towards infrastructure, considerable activities also focus on enhancing livelihoods for rural communities, improving the efficiency of bush harvesting, developing scope for small and medium enterprises and establishing a commercially operated small Independent Power Producer (IPP).