Sustainable Power Solutions (SPS), in partnership with B2Gold Namibia, the Oelofse family and Fortitude, have commissioned Namibia’s first solar wheeling project under NamPower’s Modified Single Buyer (MSB) programme. The Maxwell Solar Plant represents a groundbreaking step in Namibia’s transition to renewable energy and serves as a model for future public-private power partnerships.

The 10 MW Maxwell Solar Plant, located on Maxwell Farm about 50km North of Otjiwarongo, is the first ‘wheeling’ renewable energy project to be successfully commissioned under NamPower’s MSB programme. Wheeling of energy means that the solar plant is not situated ‘behind-the-meter’, on the energy consumer’s property, but rather elsewhere on Namibia’s national energy grid. Power from the Maxwell Solar Plant delivers clean, renewable energy to B2Gold’s Otjikoto Mine, situated 20km away.

NamPower’s MSB programme allows private Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to sell electricity directly to large customers using the national grid. This supports energy security, independent power generation, and demonstrates the potential of wheeling in driving the country’s transition to clean renewable energy.

“The Maxwell Solar Plant is a big step forward in opening up access to Namibia’s grid,” said Francois van Themaat, co-founder and Director of SPS. “It proves that wheeling under the MSB Programme works and shows how private producers and corporate off-takers can collaborate with NamPower to accelerate renewable energy deployment.”

The project reflects the combined efforts of multiple stakeholders. B2Gold, Namibia’s largest gold producer, has steadily increased its use of renewable energy since 2015, when it relied entirely on heavy fuel oil. Its 7 MW on-site solar plant, commissioned in 2018, previously supplied 13% of the mine’s power needs. With the addition of Maxwell Solar, renewable energy will now supply a meaningful portion of the Otjikoto Mine’s power needs.

“B2Gold’s ambition is to be Namibia’s leader in renewable-powered mining, while supporting our global target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 30% by 2030,” said John Roos, Country Manager for B2Gold Namibia. “Partnering with SPS under the MSB framework gives us a cost-effective, low-carbon energy supply and demonstrates what is possible for the mining sector.”

The Oelofse family, owners of Maxwell Farm and co-investors in the project, brought a conservation-driven philosophy and the land to the initiative. “For us, the Maxwell Solar Plant is more than energy,” said Alex Oelofse. “It aligns perfectly with our conservation efforts and our mission to keep Namibia green and sustainable for generations to come. This is proof that clean energy and environmental stewardship can thrive together.”

Fortitude played a critical advisory role as property developer, introducing SPS to both B2Gold and the Oelofse family, coordinating stakeholder engagement, and providing strategic guidance throughout every stage – from initial concept and feasibility studies to final execution and commissioning.

The project was initiated before the MSB framework was finalised, requiring close collaboration with NamPower and the Electricity Control Board (ECB) to shape a workable model.

“The first project is always the hardest,” Van Themaat added. “By proving wheeling works, Maxwell Solar opens the door to a new era of clean energy partnerships in Namibia and beyond.”

SPS took on unique risk with a shorter Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) of eight years, aligned with the Otjikoto Mine’s approved life of mine.

“It was ambitious, but we believe in Namibia’s renewable future,” said Van Themaat. “Our teams across engineering, finance, legal, and asset management, supported by our shareholders, pulled together over four years to make this dream a reality.”

Roos highlighted SPS’s commitment, noting that taking on an eight-year PPA instead of the typical 20–25 years demonstrates both courage and dedication to Namibia and sustainable energy. Looking ahead, SPS plans to expand Maxwell Solar, incorporate battery storage, and provide a blueprint for future renewable energy projects across the region.

“Maxwell Solar is a milestone not only for SPS, but for Namibia and Africa,” said Van Themaat. “It proves that bold ideas, strong partnerships, and trust can deliver real change. We believe this project will inspire many more across the continent.”