Windhoek
At the recent 2015 Mining Expo, O&L Energy – a subsidiary of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group – partnered with the German company Cronimet Power Solutions, a highly experienced international fully integrated solar power developer and engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractor and a strategic investor in independent power producers. Bernd Walbaum, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of O&L Energy commented: “With Namibia’s current electricity challenges, our message and awareness creation came at the right time as we concentrate on large mining and industrial clientele operating on- , or off-grid in remote areas at this expo.”
He added: “It was the first time we had a stand at the Mining Expo & Conference. Our main message was the significant electricity cost savings and power security made available to mining and industrial companies by generating power with our renewable energy solutions and decentralised solar power generation options. Our photovoltaic power plants ensure reliable, sustainable and economically viable long-term solutions at grid parity pricing throughout Namibia and South Africa and are also designed and planned for large grid connected applications.”
Steffen Kammerer, Managing Director of Cronimet Power Solutions commented that Cronimet had offices in Europe, Namibia, South Africa and Botswana and was also expanding to West and East Africa. He said: “Cronimet has just completed the construction of the first large-scale solar power plant of Namibia in Omaruru and is an ideal partner for O&L exhibiting both the international and local track record as well as the fully integrated engineering and development office to support growth in Namibia. Together we form a competent partnership for large-scale energy projects either as an independent power producer or only as an EPC contractor and we furthermore specialise in developing, financing, constructing and operating power plants for the life of the asset. This means that we can provide our mining, industrial and State-owned utility clientele with innovative, bankable and low-cost power generation facilities.”
Regarding O&L Energy, Walbaum said over the last months the company focused on implementing energy management systems within the O&L Group and for external companies; developed several medium-size projects in the solar sector; started construction of the first biogas plant in Namibia, and started operations of our new bush-to-energy business. “Besides projects in the mining industry, mainly in Namibia and South Africa, and the development of energy solutions for all O&L companies, our consortium is also focussed on and active in preparation of projects within the current NamPower renewable energy programmes,” said Walbaum.