Only 822 of Windhoek’s approximately 70,000 households use solar energy, representing just over 1% of households in the capital despite efforts to increase the uptake of renewable energy.
The figures were shared during a public meeting in Katutura Central, where residents were encouraged to consider solar energy systems as an alternative source of electricity.
The meeting was attended by Katutura Central Constituency Councillor Rodman Vezuva Katjaimo, Windhoek Mayor Sakarias Uunona and councillors Ignatius Semba and Ricardo Garoeb.
City officials said residents seeking to install solar systems can access information and consultations through the Solar Centre in Windhoek, while financing is available through the Ministry of Mines and Energy’s Solar Revolving Fund.
The low household uptake comes as the City of Windhoek advances plans to develop a 25-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic plant to increase renewable energy generation in the capital.
The project, initially estimated to cost more than N$420 million, is being pursued under the City’s Renewable Energy Policy, which was approved by the council in 2017.
City of Windhoek Chief Executive Officer Moses Matyayi said last year that the project was undergoing a review before recommendations could be submitted to the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Committee for a decision.
“There’s definitely been a little bit of clarity that needed to be provided in order for us to really ensure that everything else is being done above board. At the moment, we are about to make recommendations to the public-private partnership board to then sit and make a decision on this specific project,” Matyayi said.
He said the due diligence process had focused largely on ensuring that the proposed development complies with procurement and PPP requirements.
“Most of the aspects were more on the procurement side of things. We wanted to confirm that all the legalities required within the process are well-defined and in compliance, so that when it goes forward, everything is above board,” Matyayi said.
According to the City, a decision on the project is expected within the next one to two months.
The development stems from a 2021 tender seeking an Independent Power Producer to finance, procure, install, commission and operate the 25MW solar PV facility on a build-own-operate basis for 25 years.
Household solar adoption also featured during a separate public engagement with residents of Mix Settlement, about 17 kilometres outside Windhoek, where officials outlined plans to improve access to basic services as part of the settlement’s formalisation.
Residents were informed that free solar consultations are available, while government-backed financing mechanisms can assist households seeking to install renewable energy systems.
The City is seeking to expand both household-level solar adoption and utility-scale renewable generation as part of efforts to increase the contribution of renewable energy to Windhoek’s electricity supply.
