Construction work has kicked off at NamPower’s biggest solar photovoltaic (PV) power plant, the 100MW Sores |GAIB Power Station, located some 33km northwest of Rosh Pinah, in the //Kharas Region.
Sores |Gaib, which means “Power of the Sun” in Khoekhoegowab, will be Namibia’s largest solar PV power station to date. Upon completion, the power station will contribute significantly to the national energy mix, displacing a significant amount of imported energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
The solar plant is scheduled to be commissioned in June 2026.
NamPower’s total investment in this project stands at N$1.6 billion. The project is funded through a combination of a loan from KfW (German development bank, equivalent to about N$1.3 billion) and the remainder from NamPower’s own reserves. The loan was facilitated within the framework of the intergovernmental agreement, underscoring the enduring partnership and cordial relations between the Namibian and German governments.
The China Jiangxi International Economic and Technical Cooperation (CJIC) and Chint New Energy Development (Zhejiang) joint venture has been contracted to develop the landmark power station.
At least 25% of the contract price, equivalent to N$356 million will go towards local content. NamPower has prioritised local content participation and skills development as integral components of its implementation strategy. Also, through the project’s Environmental and Social Management Plan, the company has made firm commitments to preserve the integrity of the environment through protecting biodiversity and promoting responsible labour and community engagement practices.
During the construction phase of this project, over 300 direct jobs are expected to be created with the aim of employing local labour and thereby promoting skills development.
NamPower Managing Director Kahenge Haulofu said the gigantic solar plant represented the turning of a page in Namibia’s journey towards cleaner, greener, and sustainable energy. He said the Sores |Gaib Power Station represents progress and a long-term commitment to the sustainable development of Namibia.
“Allow me to give you some background on how we came to the name Sores |Gaib. The project was initially called the Rosh Pinah 100 MW PV Power Station. We, however, saw the need for it to have its own unique name. The name Sores |Gaib, which in Khoekhoegowab means “Power of the Sun” was suggested by one of our employees, through a competition to name the power station. The name honours our heritage, reflects our vision, and embodies the energy of the future,” Haulofu said.
He said as part of the utility’s current Integrated Strategic Business Plan, NamPower made a commitment and undertaking that it will ensure security of electricity supply for the country, through a least-cost supply mix, by diversifying the local energy mix and increasing local generation capacity via the implementation of strategic and affordable generation projects.
Apart from the Sores |Gaib, other projects which form the strategic generation projects of NamPower include: The 20 MW Omburu Solar PV Power Station, which was completed in 2022;
- The 54 MW Anixas II Power Station which we inaugurated in March this year and adds to the existing 22.5 MW at the station;
- The 40 MW Biomass Power Project, currently in execution; and
- The 54 MW Battery Energy Storage System at Omburu Substation outside Omaruru, currently in execution.
Haulofu also said that in view of the expansion of generation plants, NamPower was extending its transmission infrastructure, through its 400 kV Expansion Programme, to provide for current and future national load requirements as the needs of an expanding Namibian population and economy requires.
The programme entails the construction of three major transmission lines, which are:
- The Auas – Gerus 400 kV transmission line, which was inaugurated in April last year.
- The Obib – Oranjemund Transmission Line, which will form a second 400 kV interconnector link between NamPower and Eskom in South Africa. The construction of the line has been completed; however, it will only be energised once the substation works, which are currently underway, have been completed.
- The Auas – Kokerboom II Transmission Line, a second 400 kV link between NamPower’s Kokerboom substation near Keetmanshoop and Auas Substation. Construction of the line is expected to commence once line designs are finalised.
The NamPower MD said the execution of the Sores |Gaib solar PV power project was a testament to strong partnerships the power utility has forged. He paid special tribute to the German government through the KfW Development Bank, for its long-standing support in funding and enabling Namibia’s energy transition.
“As we proceed with construction work, I urge all team members of the project, specifically our contractor, as well as our engineer, Mott MacDonald, together with our NamPower project team to remain guided by a strong commitment to transparency, safety, and accountability. We are fully aware that what we build here must stand the test of time, deliver value for decades to come, and reflect the highest standards of technical and environmental performance,” said Haulofu.
“As NamPower, we believe that energy is not just about infrastructure, it is about impact. Impact on households that gain access to sustainable energy, on businesses that thrive because of reliable electricity, and on communities that gain new economic opportunities,” said the NamPower MD.
Deng Yan, the Managing Director of China Jiangxi International Namibia, expressed his sincere appreciation for the confidence placed in his company by NamPower, adding that CJIC takes its responsibility to deliver seriously. He said his company’s role as the EPC contractor for the 100MW PV plant demonstrates not only their technical competence, but also the company’s deep commitment to project excellence and timely delivery.
“We fully understand that this project is more than a renewable energy initiative—it is a cornerstone of the region’s sustainable development strategy and a significant step toward energy independence,” said Yan.
As one of Engineering News-Record’s (ENR’s) Top 250 International Contractors, CJIC brings with it decades of experience, technical excellence, and global perspective.
“We have successfully delivered hundreds of projects across more than 50 countries and regions, covering infrastructure, energy, housing, and industrial facilities. Our team consists of highly trained engineers, project managers, and skilled workers who operate under a philosophy of efficiency, integrity, and innovation,” he said.
Yan said from design optimisation and procurement to quality control and safety assurance, every step of the Sores |Gaib project will be managed to the highest international standards.
“Our goal is simple: to deliver a solar power facility that meets and exceeds expectations in quality, safety, efficiency, and performance. But, beyond our professional commitments, we also recognise our social responsibility to the community. CJIC is not here just to build infrastructure—we are here to build trust, opportunity, and shared value. We are committed to employing local labour as much as we can, supporting skills transfer, and ensuring that this project leaves a positive and lasting impact on the people of Rosh Pinah and beyond,” he said.
Yan made an undertaking to actively engage with local stakeholders to ensure that community needs and voices are respected throughout the project lifecycle.
