Namibia Collaborates with Chinese Businesses for Development of a $89 Million Solar Energy Facility
Namibia is set to significantly expand its renewable energy capacity with the construction of its largest solar power plant, the 100 MW Rosh Pinah plant. Valued at N$1.6 billion (US$89 million), this project is expected to commence operations in the second quarter of 2026.
The development of the Rosh Pinah plant will be a collaborative effort between NamPower, Namibia's state-owned utility, and two Chinese companies: Zhejiang Chint New Energy Development and China Jiangxi International Economic and Technical. Construction is expected to take 18 months.
This new solar facility will add an additional 100 MW to Namibia's installed power capacity, which currently stands at around 500 MW. Given Namibia's reliance on power imports from countries like Zambia, Zimbabwe, and South Africa's Eskom, this development is crucial.
The project aims to support economic growth, stabilize potential electricity tariff hikes, enhance Namibia's energy independence, and promote environmental sustainability.
Meanwhile, neighbouring Botswana is also investing in renewable energy. A 100 MW solar project in Botswana, Botswana's second utility-scale renewable energy facility, is projected to cost US$78.3 million and is expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2026.
Elsewhere on the continent, South Africa seeks to add 2,500 MW of new capacity to its existing nuclear power station, Koeberg. Koeberg, located in South Africa, is the continent's only existing nuclear power station. Eskom was granted approval to operate one of Koeberg's units for an additional 20 years, extending its lifespan to July 2044.
In Ghana, the contractor selection process for the country's first nuclear power plant began in May 2024. Among the contractors bidding for this project is China National Nuclear Corporation.
Research indicates that Namibia's annual electricity demand is expected to grow at a rate of 5%, with the total annual electricity demand projected to reach 600 MW. As these developments unfold, it is clear that Africa is making strides towards a more sustainable and independent energy future.
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