Select Page

Hardap solar plant to assist in the reduction of electricity imports – inauguration of largest plant set for next week

Hardap solar plant to assist in the reduction of electricity imports – inauguration of largest plant set for next week

The current largest solar photovoltaic plant, the 37MW Hardap Solar PV estimated to cost approximately N$800 million will be inaugurated next week Thursday, by the Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo.

Power utility, NamPower told the Economist that the plant is expected to deliver approximately 5% of the country’s annual energy demand. However, they said it should be noted that its supply remains intermittent.

“The plant will assist in the reduction of electricity imports, with the goal to make the country self-sufficient and ensure security of supply,” the utility said.

NamPower said prior to its construction, there were several 5MW PV plants erected under the REFIT Programme and at the moment there are two 10MW GreeNam PV Projects installed near Mariental and Keetmanshoop respectively.

The construction activities on site commenced in April 2018 and the plant was fully commissioned and became operational in November 2018.

According to the utility, the tender for the 37MW Hardap Solar PV Project was advertised with a minimum reservation of 30% shareholding for Previously Disadvantaged Persons.

“NamPower retained shareholding for providing the transmission connection, conducting the required development activities (i.e. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and clearance, Geotechnical and Topographical studies, etc.) as well as acquiring and availing the project site,” NamPower added.

In terms of shareholding structure, NamPower said Spanish lead developer, Alten Africa owns 51%; while 30% is owned by three local companies namely: First Place Investments, Mangrove and Talyeni Investments, while NamPower owns the remaining 19%.


 

About The Author

Musa Carter

Musa Carter is a long-standing freelance contributor to the editorial team and also an active reporter. He gathers and verifies factual information regarding stories through interviews, observation and research. For the digital Economist, he promotes targeted content through various social networking sites such as the Economist facebook page (/Nameconomist/) and Twitter.