Namibia has reached a $89 million agreement with Chinese companies to construct its largest solar power facility

Namibia’s state-owned utility, NamPower, has agreed to develop the largest solar power plant in the nation, valued at N$1.6 billion ($89 million), with two Chinese companies.

The 100 MW Rosh Pinah plant will be designed and built over the course of 18 months by the Chinese companies, Zhejiang Chint New Energy Development and China Jiangxi International Economic and Technical. It is anticipated that commercial operations will start in 2026’s second quarter.

The plant will assist economic growth, stabilise potential increases in electricity tariffs, boost Namibia’s energy independence, and advance environmental sustainability.

Namibia has depended on power imports from nations like Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa (Eskom), therefore this development is vital. According to reports, its power purchase arrangement with Eskom would run out in 2025.

Notably, NamPower will contribute the remaining cash from its balance sheet, with the German development bank KfW funding 80% of the N$1.4 billion ($78.33 million) project.

A group of Chinese firms led by China Harbour Engineering Co. negotiated an agreement in August 2024 to construct a 100 MW solar project in Botswana, another country in Southern Africa. The plant is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2026 and will cost $78.3 million. The second utility-scale renewable energy facility in the nation will be this one.

Furthermore, the contractor selection process for Ghana’s first nuclear power station, scheduled for construction by December 2024, began in May 2024. China National Nuclear Corporation was one of the contractors bidding on the project.

Furthermore, 2,500 megawatts (MW) of new power are wanted in South Africa, which runs the continent’s only nuclear power station, Koeberg. Eskom of South Africa was granted authorisation in July 2024 to operate one of its two units for an additional 20 years, until July 2044.

A research states that Namibia’s annual total electricity demand is forecast to be 600 MW, with annual growth predicted to be 5%. The nation’s generating capacity, however, is only about 500 MW.

Namibia will have 100 MW more installed power capacity thanks to the new facility.

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