NamPower, the national power utility of Namibia, has entered into a significant agreement with two Chinese companies, China Jiangxi International Economic and Technical Cooperation and Zhejiang Chint New Energy Development, to establish a solar power facility worth N$1.6 billion ($89 million). This venture marks the construction of the largest solar power plant in Namibia, with a capacity of 100 MW at Rosh Pinah. The project, set to span 18 months, aims for the commencement of commercial operations by the second quarter of 2026.
The establishment of this solar power plant is a strategic move towards enhancing Namibia’s energy independence, mitigating future hikes in electricity tariffs, fostering economic development, and advancing environmental conservation efforts.
This initiative gains added significance in light of Namibia’s current dependency on electricity imports from neighboring countries, including Zambia, Zimbabwe, and notably South Africa, from whom Namibia’s power purchase agreement with Eskom is due to expire in 2025.
With Namibia’s annual electricity demand estimated at 600 MW and projected to increase by 5% each year, against a generation capacity of approximately 500 MW, the addition of the Rosh Pinah plant’s 100 MW will significantly bolster the nation’s installed power capacity.
The financing structure of the project reveals that 80% of the N$1.4 billion ($78.33 million) investment will be covered by the German development bank KfW, with NamPower allocating the remainder from its own resources.
In a parallel development within the Southern African region, a consortium of Chinese firms led by China Harbour Engineering Co. was awarded a contract in August 2024 to construct a $78.3 million, 100 MW solar power facility in Botswana, slated for operation in the second quarter of 2026. This marks Botswana’s second venture into utility-scale renewable energy.
Additionally, Ghana is progressing towards the contractor selection phase for its inaugural nuclear power plant, expected to commence construction by December 2024. Among the contenders for this project is the China National Nuclear Corporation.
Meanwhile, South Africa, home to Africa’s sole nuclear power station, Koeberg, is exploring the expansion of its nuclear power capacity by an additional 2,500 MW. In a notable development in July 2024, Eskom, South Africa’s power utility, received authorization to extend the operational life of one of Koeberg’s two units for another 20 years, until July 2044.
