The Namibian Power Corporation (NamPower) has inaugurated the N$394 million Sekelduin Substation, 8km outside Swakopmund, the first fully digital substation in Africa.
The construction of the substation commenced in July 2021 and was completed in March 2023.
NamPower Managing Director Kahenge Simson Haulofu said to ensure the continued excellence of the national transmission network, the corporation remains committed to strengthening and maintaining its infrastructure.
The Sekelduin Substation will play a vital role in ensuring that the electricity network remains capable of meeting both the present and future demand. The substation has now become the main transmission supply point to the existing NamPower Swakopmund and Tamarisk substations, the NamWater South bulk water supply scheme feeding the new Husab Uranium Mine, and the Erongo RED 33kV medium voltage reticulation network.
“These investments are crucial for preserving the transmission network’s superior condition – enabling continued, reliable, and efficient operation with minimal disruptions. The development of Sekelduin Substation is one such key investment for NamPower as this project is NamPower’s proactive response to the growing energy needs of the Erongo Region, which are driven by ongoing economic development, industrial expansion, and population growth,” he said.
He said the Sekelduin Substation underscores the significant capital required to plan, build and sustain electricity infrastructure across the generation, transmission and distribution value chain. “In this regard, a predictable regulatory environment and cost-reflective tariffs remain essential to enabling prudent, long-term investment in infrastructure of this nature,” Haulofu said.
Built by Africans for Africa
“The entire project was designed and built by Africans and is proof that Africa can design and deliver world-class digital grid infrastructure. Built by Africans for Africa, it’s a scalable blueprint for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning-ready, cyber-secure substations that future-proof Namibia’s growth and set a new operational benchmark for Namibia,” said the NamPower MD.
Industries, Mines and Energy Deputy Minister Gaudentia Kröhne said the commissioning of the Sekelduin Substation was more than the completion of a major infrastructure project, but a clear demonstration of Namibia’s commitment to strengthening energy security, supporting economic growth, and creating opportunities for future generations.
Kröhne said electricity remains the backbone of any modern economy as it powers industries, supports mines, fuels tourism, drives innovation, enables essential services such as healthcare and education, and enables job creation across sectors.
“We must build an energy system that is reliable, resilient, and capable of supporting both current needs and future growth, which is essential for us to achieve the ambitions set out in Vision 2030 and the Sixth National Development Plan,” she said.
Investor Confidence
The Sekelduin Substation will ensure that the lights stay on, businesses continue to operate, and investors have confidence in Namibia’s energy future. This project is a clear demonstration of Government’s commitment to supporting Regional Electricity Distributors such as Erongo RED by strengthening the bulk electricity supply to create an enabling environment for investment, job creation, and economic expansion.
“It also directly supports the objectives of our National Energy Policy, which commits Government to ensuring that Namibians have access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy, while strengthening energy security and reducing dependence on electricity imports,” said Kröhne.
While the substation directly benefits the Erongo Region, its impact extends far beyond, as every investment in transmission infrastructure strengthens Namibia’s national grid, making it more resilient and flexible. A stronger grid enhances energy security, allows us to better integrate new power generation projects, and supports the expansion of renewable energy.
“We are seeing increasing investment in oil and gas, renewable energy, green hydrogen, mining, and industrial development. All these opportunities depend on a strong and reliable electricity network. This project therefore lays the groundwork for future investments and ensures that Namibia is ready to seize emerging opportunities in the energy and industrial sectors, in line with our goal of building a diversified and resilient economy,” said Kröhne.
Transmission Master Plan
NamPower has put in place a Transmission Master Plan that makes provision for large transmission backbone developments across the country. This plan ensures the construction of new transmission lines, new substations and the upgrading of existing transmission infrastructure. The plan coordinates timing with utility and IPP-build projects so that lines and substations are ready when new capacity connects, improving reliability, power quality, and future load hosting.
Some of NamPower’s the major transmission projects which are currently at different stages of development are:
- 400 kV Auas-Kokerboom Transmission Line Project. This project aims to support and strengthen the system reliability between Auas Substation (near Dordabis) and the Kokerboom Substation (near Keetmanshoop). The project will enable increased electricity transfer and wheeling from south to north and north to south. With an estimated project cost of N$2 billion, the 400 kV Auas-Kokerboom Transmission Line is expected to be commissioned in the second half of 2028.
- 400 kV Obib-Oranjemund Transmission Line Project. The Obib-Oranjemund line is the second interconnector to ESKOM and is anticipated to provide the stability necessary for the NamPower grid. The estimated project cost is N$1.2 billion and commissioning is planned for 2026.
- 220/66 kV Khomas Substation development. This project will increase and strengthen supply to the City of Windhoek, who is co-funding the project which is estimated to cost N$340 million. The project is expected to be commissioned later this year (2026).
- 220/66 kV Erongo Substation Development. This co-funded project between NamPower and Erongo RED aims to increase and stabilise electricity supply to the rapidly growing Erongo Region. The estimated project cost is N$170 million.
- New 220/132 kV Masivi Substation. Construction of the new Masivi Substation has been completed, marking a significant milestone in strengthening power supply to the north-eastern regions of Namibia. The project costed over N$330 million.
Haulofu assured that NamPower will continue to fulfil its core mandate of ensuring security of supply and so also its social responsibility.
