Investigating wood pellet torrefaction investment and its economic feasibility in the Krumhuk, Khomas region of Namibia

Abstract

This paper investigates the potential for a sustainable wood pellet torrefaction investment and its economic feasibility using samples of Namibian encroacher wood species. Two types of tests were carried out on the wood species by a technology vendor in France to evaluate the capability of producing a valuable bio-coal from the samples. The result shows that the Namibian wood has a high ash content of 37.1% and 18.4% when heated to a temperature of 400 °C and 300 °C, respectively, for 10 min. The mass yield at 300 °C was 76.15% with a low heating value (LHV) and a high heating value (HHV) of 17.84 MJ/Kg and 18.90 MJ/Kg, respectively, compared to 40.50% and LHV, HHV of 16.46 MJ/Kg and 16.98 MJ/Kg, respectively, for the 400 °C roasting. The study found that a stand-alone wood biomass torrefaction is currently not economically feasible in Namibia. A strategic partnership is needed to further test the technology and optimise its operation for a variety of purposes.