Mines minister Tom Alweendo, has announced a new ministerial directive for procuring new power generation projects to enhance Namibia’s energy security.

The 2024 Ministerial Determination introduces a new allocation of 330 megawatts (MW) of solar PV capacity for procurement and implementation.

In the document released by the ministry last month, Alweendo stated that the new projects are divided between the national power company, NamPower, and Independent Power Producers (IPPs).

The projects involve the development of six solar PV power plants, each with a capacity of 20 MW, assigned to independent power producers.

“These projects are strategically earmarked to be constructed in specific regions with limited or no previous generation capacity to foster job creation,” Alweendo said.

The identified regions are Karas, Hardap, Oshikoto, Otjozondjupa, Kavango West, and Zambezi.

Another project involves adding 30 MW to the existing 70MW Rosh Pinah Solar PV Power Plant, which will be allocated to NamPower.

NamPower will also develop and own a new 80MW Omburu Solar PV Power Plant to be built adjacent to the existing Omburu Solar PV Power Plant in the Erongo region.

“This expansion will ensure that the project will maximise local job and employment creation in the region,” Alweendo emphasised.

Another proposed project he said is the 100 MW Skorpion Solar PV Power Plant to assist in the revival of the Skorpion Zinc Mine, which was previously powered by South Africa’s Eskom.

“The 2024 Ministerial Determination is a bold step forward in Namibia’s journey towards energy independence and sustainability,” Alweendo said.

The latest determination follows the 2018 directive intended to add an additional capacity of 250 MW to enhance Namibia’s energy self-sufficiency.

However, many of the projects are expected to reach their commercial operations as of next year through to 2027. These include a 50 MW heavy oil power station in Walvis Bay that will come into operation in early 2025.

The N$2.3 billion 40 MW Otjikoto Biomass Power Station is scheduled to commence operations in June 2027, while the 20 MW Khan IPP solar plant near Usakos will begin operating in February 2025. -Nampa