SteamBioAfrica · Project

Turning Invasive Bush Into Clean Affordable Biofuel at Industrial Scale

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Imagine millions of hectares of land in Southern Africa being taken over by invasive bushes — destroying grazing land, harming biodiversity, and threatening livelihoods. This team figured out how to blast that unwanted bush with superheated steam to turn it into clean-burning fuel briquettes and recover water in the process. They ran a real plant in Namibia processing 250 kg per hour for over a year, proving it works at a scale that matters. It's like turning a pest into a power source — clearing the land while producing affordable energy for homes and factories.

By the numbers

250 kg/hour

Industrial-scale processing throughput

500+ tonnes

Solid biofuel production target

96 hours

Minimum processing time per biomass material

1 year+

Continuous plant operation in Namibia

Different market opportunities quantified

Countries where biofuel was validated with customers

Consortium partners across 8 countries

The business problem

What needed solving

Southern Africa faces a dual crisis: invasive bush encroachment is destroying millions of hectares of productive land, while rural communities lack access to affordable, clean energy. Current bush clearing is expensive with no return on investment, and imported fuels are costly and unreliable for remote areas.

The solution

What was built

An integrated superheated steam processing plant operating at 250 kg/hour in rural Namibia, demonstrated for over one year. The plant converts invasive woody biomass into clean-burning solid biofuel (over 500 tonnes produced) and recovers water. Sustainable business plans for large-scale replication and over 5 market opportunities were developed.

Audience

Who needs this

Biofuel producers seeking new feedstock sources in AfricaEnergy distributors serving off-grid or rural communities in Southern AfricaLand management companies dealing with bush encroachmentMining operations needing affordable local fuel supply in remote locationsGovernment energy agencies planning rural electrification in developing countries

Business applications

Who can put this to work

Biomass Energy Production

mid-size

Target: Biofuel producers or energy companies looking for new feedstock sources in Africa

If you are a biofuel producer struggling with inconsistent or expensive feedstock — this project demonstrated superheated steam processing that converts invasive woody biomass into clean-burning solid biofuel at 250 kg/hour throughput. The process was validated with domestic and industrial customers across three countries (Namibia, Botswana, South Africa) and produced over 500 tonnes of solid biofuel. It turns a freely available environmental problem into a reliable energy product.

Land Management & Environmental Restoration

any

Target: Agricultural companies, conservation organizations, or government land agencies in Southern Africa

If you are managing land degraded by bush encroachment and spending heavily on clearing — this project proved that harvesting invasive bush for biofuel production creates greater value than the cost of harvesting and processing. Instead of bush clearing being a pure expense, it becomes a revenue-generating activity with over 5 different market opportunities identified for the biofuel product.

Off-Grid & Rural Energy Supply

SME

Target: Energy distributors, rural electrification companies, or mining operations needing affordable fuel in remote African locations

If you are an energy distributor serving rural or off-grid communities in Southern Africa where fuel is expensive and unreliable — this project validated affordable clean-burning solid biofuel with real customers over more than one year of continuous operation. The feedstock (invasive bush) is locally abundant and free, which means secure supply without import dependency.

Frequently asked

Quick answers

What does the biofuel cost compared to conventional alternatives?

The project confirmed that the biofuel creates greater value than the cost of harvesting and processing the invasive biomass. Specific price-per-tonne figures are not provided in available project data, but the focus on 'affordable' energy and local freely-available feedstock suggests competitive pricing versus imported fuels.

Can this work at industrial scale?

Yes. The plant operated at 250 kg/hour throughput — an industrially relevant scale — for over one year in rural Namibia. The demonstration deliverable targeted production of over 500 tonnes of solid biofuel. The project created business plans specifically for large-scale replication across Southern Africa.

What is the IP situation and how can I license this technology?

The technology builds on the earlier SteamBio project (H2020 Grant 636865), which was recognized by the EU Innovation Radar as a market-ready innovation. Three SMEs in the consortium were identified as key innovators. Licensing would need to be discussed with the coordinator (CSIC, Spain) or the SME partners who hold the commercial rights.

Has this been tested with real customers?

Yes. The project validated the biofuel with both domestic and industrial customers in Namibia, Botswana, and South Africa. Each biomass material from these three countries was processed for at least 96 hours during demonstration runs.

What types of biomass can the system process?

The system processes invasive woody biomass from bush encroachment species found across Southern Africa. The demonstration processed a minimum of two different biomass materials from each of Namibia, South Africa, and Botswana, confirming versatility across different species.

Is there a plan for scaling up after the project?

Yes. The project developed sustainable and inclusive business plans to justify post-project investment in large-scale replication. They quantified over 5 different market opportunities and created an exploitation plan designed to stimulate bush harvesting across the region.

What regulations apply to this biofuel?

Based on available project data, the biofuel is described as 'clean burning,' which suggests it meets relevant emission standards. The project addressed low-carbon energy and climate change challenges. Specific regulatory certifications obtained are not detailed in the available data.

Consortium

Who built it

The 15-partner consortium across 8 countries is well-balanced for commercialization: 7 industry partners (47% industry ratio) including 3 SMEs identified as key innovators by the EU Innovation Radar. The mix of 5 research organizations and 2 universities provides the scientific backbone, while the strong industry presence — spanning Spain, Germany, Sweden, Ireland, UK, and critically South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia — ensures the technology is validated where it will actually be deployed. The coordinator is CSIC (Spain's national research council), which led the predecessor SteamBio project. For a business buyer, the presence of dedicated SME innovators in the consortium means there are already commercial entities ready to deliver this technology.

AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICASCoordinator · ES
COLLABORATING CENTRE ON SUSTAINABLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION GGMBHparticipant · DE
EVENOR TECH SLparticipant · ES
SVERIGES LANTBRUKSUNIVERSITETparticipant · SE
CELIGNIS LIMITEDparticipant · IE
NAMIBIA UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGYparticipant · NA
STIFTELSEN SKOGSBRUKETS FORSKNINGSINSTITUT - SKOGFORSKparticipant · SE

How to reach the team

CSIC (Agencia Estatal Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Cientificas), Spain — coordinated both the original SteamBio and this follow-on project. The 3 SME key innovators identified by Innovation Radar are the most likely commercial contacts.

Order a report on this consortium See AGENCIA ESTATAL CONSEJO SUPERIOR DE INVESTIGACIONES CIENTIFICAS profile →

Next steps

Talk to the team behind this work.

Want an introduction to the SteamBioAfrica team or the SME innovators behind this technology? SciTransfer can connect you with the right partner for licensing, joint ventures, or technology deployment in your region.

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