Potential for Biomass Valorization Through Torrefaction in Botswana: A Review

DOI

10.2991/978-94-6463-797-7_13How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Torrefaction; Prosopis mesquite; Biomass Characterization

Abstract

Botswana is a semi-arid country hence encourages the growth and propagation of various vegetation including family Leguminosae (Fabaceae) such as Prosopis mesquite which was initially introduced in Botswana to combat desertification and provide fodder but has however become a problematic specie which hinders biodiversity in areas of propagation and dominate over local flora. Biomass valorization is largely underexplored in Botswana despite the abundant presence of invasive biomass resources and need for sustainable energy solutions. Currently, the feasibility of converting local biomass to biofuels such as prosopis mesquite has not been fully assessed. As such, this study seeks to discuss the potential of biomass valorisation in Botswana through torrefaction using the invasive prosopis mesquite species as feedstock. To evaluate its potential for bioenergy conversion, its thermochemical and chemical properties are characterized by assessing key parameters such as lignocellulosic composition, thermal stability and calorific value so as to determine its overall energy density. Characterization of prosopis mesquite thickets is achieved using analytical techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) in which the functional group and chemical bonds related to biomass composition are identified, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) examines thermal degradation patterns and bomb calorimetric analysis estimates energy content of biomass. This analysis provides insight on prosopis potential as feedstock for biofuel production. By turning an environmental challenge into an energy solution, this research offers a pathway for sustainable biomass valorisation that aligns with global climate goals and Botswana’s Vision 2036.

Copyright

© 2025 The Author(s)

Open Access

Open Access This chapter is licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), which permits any noncommercial use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons license and indicate if changes were made.

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TY  - CONF
AU  - G. B. Rabogadi
AU  - G. Danha
AU  - N. Othusitse
AU  - T. A. Mamvura
PY  - 2025
DA  - 2025/07/22
TI  - Potential for Biomass Valorization Through Torrefaction in Botswana: A Review
BT  - Proceedings of the 1st International Symposium on African Sustainable Energy Solutions (AfrSusEnS 2024)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 91
EP  - 97
SN  - 2352-5401
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/978-94-6463-797-7_13
DO  - 10.2991/978-94-6463-797-7_13
ID  - Rabogadi2025
ER  -