The Ministry of Agriculture, Water, and Land Reform is exploring solar-powered irrigation solutions to reduce electricity costs for Green Scheme projects.
Agriculture Ministry Spokesperson Jona Musheko said by installing grid-tied solar PV systems at key sites such as Etunda, Sikondo, and Shadikongoro, the ministry aims to decrease reliance on the grid and significantly lower eletricity costs.
“With bills currently reaching as high as N$400,000 per month at some locations, this initiative could potentially reduce electricity expenses by up to 90%, enabling reinvestment of profits into increasing productivity and growth within the schemes,” he said. Musheko also highlighted that bills tend to soar due to factors such as continuous and necessary irrigation required throughout the day and night, across all seasons.
“During the two years of operating the Green Schemes, the electricity bill has been a major issue, consuming much of the generated revenues. We aim to reduce reliance on the grid and minimize electricity bills as much as possible.”
As part of the ministry’s plans, a request for expressions of interest has been launched for consulting services to oversee the techno-economic feasibility analysis, design, tender documentation, contract administration, and site supervision for the construction of grid-tied solar PV plants at the Etunda, Sikondo, and Shadikongoro Green Scheme Irrigation Projects in the Omusati, Kavango West, and Kavango East regions.
