adminBiomass gasification involves conversion of solid fuels such as wood waste, agricultural residues into a combustible gaseous mixture normally called syngas.
In an interview, Allied Timbers chief executive Dr Joseph Kanyekanye said the project had received the nod from the Environmental Management Agency.
“We are currently waiting for a temporary licence from the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority which we are expecting in April.
“Thus as soon as we get it, work will begin,” he said.
Dr Kanyekanye said biomass energy production was a sustainable power generation source, which would use abundant wood waste from local sawmills.
“Allied Timbers generates around 60 tonnes of timber waste at its Chimanimani facility of which 10 percent is utilised for kiln drying and the balance burnt.
“In two years’ time from the initial start of the project we will be producing about 40 megawatts, which will be enough to cater for our power needs as well as those of Mutare,” he said.
Dr Kanyekanye added that when completed, the project would be the biggest biomass power plant under one company in Africa.
Currently, over 70 000 tonnes of biomass waste is produced annually with long-term projections estimating that the amount would more than double by 2015.
Zimbabwe has a large timber industry, much of which is concentrated in Manicaland province.
The industry holds approximately 120 000 hectares of timber plantations, equal to 0,02 percent of Zimbabwe’s land area.
Meanwhile, the country’s energy mix is primarily dominated by fossil fuels with the only major non-fossil source being hydroelectricity that is produced at Kariba. – New Ziana.
Online Reporter