By Faridat Salifu
The World Bank has granted a loan amounting $138.5 million, sourced from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), Fund for Innovative Solutions in Global Public Goods and the Green Climate Fund (GCF) to Namibia towards enhancing its renewable energy infrastructure.
This funding will empower Namibia Power Corporation (NamPower) to fortify its grid in readiness for the integration of renewable energies.
The allocated funds will primarily facilitate the implementation of a project aimed at expanding the electricity transmission and storage network in Namibia.
NamPower, the state-owned utility, plans to construct the 458 km Auas-Kokerboom 400 kV transmission line, stretching from the Kokerboom substation near Keetmanshoop to the Auas substation close to Windhoek. This strategic initiative, with an investment of $115 million, will parallel an existing power line to the south.
Additionally, NamPower intends to enhance the stability of its power grid while integrating renewable energies.
To achieve this, the utility will design, supply, install, and commission a 100 MWh/25 MW battery storage system.
This innovative infrastructure is expected to assist NamPower in managing the variability of renewable energies, thereby regulating fluctuating imports from Eskom, the South African electricity company.
NamPower’s Managing Director, Kahenge Simson Haulofu, highlighted the significance of these investments in steering Namibia towards sustainable development through the exploitation of its renewable energy sources.
Despite boasting immense solar potential, with approximately 10 hours of sunshine per day for 300 days annually, Namibia’s installed renewable capacity currently accounts for just over 30% of total production, estimated at 690 MW.