The Ministry of Mines and Energy has unveiled the 2024 Ministerial Determination, approving the procurement and implementation of new solar photovoltaic (PV) with a capacity of 330 megawatts (MW).
The capacity is divided between NamPower and Independent Power Producers (IPPs). This allocation is part of Namibia’s ongoing efforts to enhance energy security and sustainability.
“The 330MW capacity allocation includes 120MW for IPPs, 30MW for NamPower, 80MW for NamPower, and 100MW for a dedicated solar PV project for Skorpion Zinc Mine. The IPP allocation will involve six 20MW solar power plants spread across various regions with minimal or no previous generation capacity,” said Minister of Mines and Energy Tom Alweendo.
He noted that these regions include //Kharas, Hardap, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Kavango West and Zambezi, and were selected to foster job creation and address grid challenges.
“The allocation of these projects is strategically aimed at creating local employment opportunities and addressing the intermittency grid challenges while contributing to the broader national energy goals,” said Alweendo.
The 120MW IPP allocation is designed to mitigate grid challenges, with a focus on reducing integration costs and minimising tariff impacts.
“This allocation is expected to generate significant local employment opportunities during the construction and operation phases. By strategically placing the plants in underdeveloped regions, the projects aim to support local economies and encourage sustainable growth,” he said.
In addition to the IPP allocation, NamPower will oversee the expansion of the Rosh Pinah Solar PV Power Plant, which will receive an additional 30MW.
Alweendo noted that this will be added to the previously approved 70MW, resulting in a total capacity of 100MW.
The expansion aims to capitalise on existing development work, improving efficiency and minimising delays, with the commissioning date set for May 2026.
NamPower will also manage the development of the 80MW Omburu Solar PV Power Plant in the Erongo region.
“This expansion will be built adjacent to the existing Omburu Solar PV Power Plant and will connect to the Omburu Substation. The project is expected to create additional employment opportunities in the region and strengthen the local energy infrastructure,” he said.
The 100MW Skorpion Solar PV Power Plant is another key development. This project is designed to support Skorpion Zinc Mine, which has historically relied on the Eskom power system for its energy needs.
“The plant will provide a local solution for the mine, assisting with its revival and creating significant job opportunities. The project is expected to generate up to 2,000 jobs during construction and 800 jobs during operations, with a focus on hiring local Namibians,” the Minster said.
These solar projects are part of a broader strategy outlined in Namibia’s National Integrated Resource Plan (NIRP) 2022, which aims to enhance the country’s renewable energy capacity.
This comes as Namibia generates 40% of its electricity locally through the Ruacana Hydro Power Station (347MW) and renewable energy projects, supplemented by imports via the Southern African Power Pool.
Following a 2018 determination to boost capacity by 250MW, several key projects are advancing such the Anixas II Power Station (50MW) began operations in September 2024, while the Otjikoto Biomass Plant (40MW) targets June 2027.
The Khan Solar Plant (20MW) will be commissioned in February 2025, and the Rosh Pinah Solar Plant (70MW) will start construction in January 2025, with a COD of May 2026.
Additional developments include the Omburu Battery Storage System (54MW/54MWh), set for completion in 2025, and critical 400kV transmission lines such as Obib-Oranjemund and Auas-Kokerboom, strengthening grid stability.
The Baynes Hydro Plant (880MW), a joint venture with Angola, targets financial close by 2026, with construction starting in 2027.
