Nopal Renewable Company has announced plans to generate 5 megawatts (MW) of electricity from its Opuntia Ficus-Indica cactus farm in Namibia, marking a significant step in the country’s renewable energy sector.
The company, specializing in bioenergy production, aims to harness methane and carbon dioxide gases from its cactus farm, converting them into electricity or liquefied energy. The initiative is expected to provide a sustainable energy source while contributing to Namibia’s carbon reduction efforts.
Speaking at the project’s groundbreaking ceremony, Nopal partner Nicole Maske confirmed that the project is still in its early development phase, with construction yet to begin.
“Our big focus now is on securing off-take agreements and identifying potential buyers. We are exploring options with Namibia’s national utility, NamPower, as well as local industries such as mining companies that could benefit from renewable liquefied natural gas (LNG),” Maske said.
The 800-hectare cactus farm is projected to generate around 5MW of energy. Nopal Renewable Energy, formerly known as Nopal Carbon Namibia, planted its first batch of cacti in July during winter, successfully cultivating them without losses. The initial test area has now been repurposed as a nursery, highlighting the project’s viability even under challenging environmental conditions.
Maske emphasized that the farm uses a non-invasive cactus variety, distinguishing it from other types found in Namibia. The company plans to expand large-scale cactus farming across the country, offering a sustainable solution for drought-affected regions while revitalizing underutilized land.
Environmental clearance for the project was granted late last year, a process Maske described as efficient under the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism.
The company’s first major project is being developed in Maltahöhe in collaboration with Guido von Wietersheim, utilizing a portion of Farm Namseb for cactus cultivation.
Beyond energy generation, the project aims to create food, fodder, and job opportunities, while also producing carbon removal certificates for global trade.
Deputy Executive Director in the Office of the Vice President, Mateus Kaholongo, lauded the project as a milestone in Namibia’s drive for energy independence.
“With nopal-derived biogas, we are unlocking a renewable energy source that will provide stable and sustainable baseload electricity, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. This enhances Namibia’s energy security and positions the country as a leader in the global clean energy revolution,” Kaholongo said.
He added that as climate change, drought, and food insecurity intensify globally, Namibia is taking proactive steps.
“The nopal cactus project symbolizes resilience. It provides food and livestock feed while actively mitigating climate change. This initiative demonstrates how agriculture, sustainability, and economic progress can align, setting an example for the world,” he stated.
According to the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), Nopal has invested approximately N$66 million into the project and expects to create 75 jobs—40 in the farming phase and 35 in bioenergy production once fully operational.
“The project operates under carbon certification from a leading European accreditation body, ensuring compliance with high environmental and sustainability standards. It is strategically positioned to revitalize Namibia’s agricultural sector, combat climate change, and support rural communities through sustainable development,” the NIPDB said.
