10MWe Bioenergy CHP, Weza, Eastern Cape, South Africa - Feasibility Study 

Partners: Newafrica Bioenergy (Nab), Newafrica Clean Energy (Nace), Merensky Timber (Merensky)

Country: South Africa

Technology: Targeting poor or marginalised groups or fragile contexts

Stage: Early

Stage: 9

Based on the latest IEA report, biomass holds the potential to fulfil 57% of Africa’s energy demand by 2035. However, despite the enormous biomass energy potential, only 0.58% of power in Africa is generated using biomass. Progress in the production of biomass energy is limited by an absence of competent institutions with strong mandates and long-term oriented action plans.

This project will be a key step in NAB’s effort to establish low-cost, medium-sized, and standardised projects with other agribusinesses across Africa. The combination of technical know-how and finance within the group will establish a new business model to provide sustainable, low-cost bioenergy. 

A collaboration between NewAfrica Bioenergy (NAB), NewAfrica Clean Energy (NACE), and Merensky Timber (Merensky), a part of Hans Merensky Group (HMG), will produce a bankable feasibility study for the Weza 10MWe CHP, producing electricity and steam for industrial and rural use and the Ugu District municipality. The project will produce energy for productive use and facilitate energy efficiency improvements in rural communities where economic activity is predominantly linked to agriculture and forestry.