Namibia is poised to make history as the first country to generate carbon credits from nopal cactus farming. Nopal Renewable Energy Corporation, at the forefront of this innovative initiative, is investing heavily in a large-scale nopal cactus farm in Maltahöhe. This ambitious project aims to transform Namibia’s arid landscapes into productive carbon sinks, positioning the country as a leader in sustainable, agriculture-driven carbon offset initiatives.
The company has secured crucial certification from CERTIS, an international accreditation body, validating its unique carbon removal methodology. This distinction sets Nopal apart from previous attempts by other companies, which focused on cultivating cacti primarily for food production. By exclusively cultivating cacti for carbon sequestration, Nopal ensures its operations align with stringent international standards.
“It’s all about credibility and transparency,” explains Stephen McNeill, a partner at Nopal Renewable Energy Corporation. “The certifying body meticulously measures the carbon stored in the soil and plants, conducting annual reassessments to determine the net increase. This data forms the foundation for our carbon credit claims.”
While the initial phase of the project is underway, with a 500-hectare farm currently under development, Nopal is strategically positioning itself for future growth. The company is actively seeking off-takers for its carbon credits, ready to scale operations to meet increasing demand.
“If a company approached us today with a need for 500,000 carbon credits by 2030, we could map out how much land to cultivate and when we could deliver,” says McNeill.
The company is meticulously evaluating potential locations across Namibia, considering factors such as land availability, labor costs, and transportation logistics to optimize cost-effectiveness. With ambitious expansion plans, Nopal aims to cultivate 5,000 hectares by 2027 and reach a total of 17,500 hectares by 2028, solidifying Namibia’s position as a global leader in sustainable carbon farming.
This innovative project not only offers a sustainable solution for carbon sequestration but also presents significant economic opportunities for Namibia. By pioneering this novel approach to carbon credit generation, the country is poised to become a global leader in sustainable agriculture and climate action.
