Dutch-Namibian renewable energy company, TerraWatt, has kicked off construction work at its 50MW Astra Farm Solar Project, some 110km east of Windhoek, in the Gobabis District.
The solar park will feature 71,429 x 700 Wp solar panels and 11 x 4.6 MW central inverters, projecting a first-year yield of 100 million kWh.
Rare Earth Minerals will be the offtaker of the power generated at Astra Farm under the Modified Single Buyer (MSB) market model.
TerraWatt Chief Executive Officer Alex Nelis praised the collaboration with the Namibian government, private developers, financiers and the local community, which led to the realisation of the Astra Farm Solar project.
“This collaboration demonstrates the power of coordinated action and should serve as a model for future projects across Namibia,” said Nelis during the groundbreaking ceremony held on November 7.
TerraWatt intends to add another 50 MW at Astra Farm in the near future bringing total production to 100 MW.
“As we celebrate today, let us be mindful that this groundbreaking ceremony is the beginning of a lasting commitment to operational excellence, to maximising local benefit, and to environmentally responsible stewardship.
Let us continue to work together to expand renewable energy access and to ensure that the benefits of our energy transition is widely shared,” said Nelis.
TerraWatt secured the license for the 50 MW solar project in November, 2024, and the company was thrilled to have reached the milestone for its Namibian project.
“This project exemplifies our long-term commitment to advancing local renewable energy in Namibia and demonstrates the impact that collaborative, sustainable development can have on a national scale,” said Nelis.
TerraWatt said the Astra Farm Solar Park “aligns with our strategic goals to expand our renewable energy portfolio and underscores our commitment to sustainable energy solutions worldwide.”
Deputy Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Gaudentia Kröhne, was the guest of honour at the groundbreaking ceremony which was also attended by the Chief Executive Officer of the Electricity Control Board (ECB) Robert Kahimise, Directors of Rare Earth Minerals, senior officials from NamPower, Local and Regional Authorities, project partners, investors, engineers and contractors.
Kröhne expressed her sincere gratitude to TerraWatt for choosing Namibia as the site of this landmark project.
“Today, we gather to mark a major step forward in our country’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable development. This project is a testament to the Namibian Government’s vision of transforming the energy sector and promoting inclusive economic growth.
“This 50 MW solar park is not just a power plant, it is a symbol of transition, of hope, of collaboration, and of Namibia’s ambition to become a leader in renewable energy on the African continent,” said the Deputy Minister.
Beyond generating clean and reliable energy, Kröhne said the Astra Farm Solar Project will also create jobs, stimulate local economies, and contribute to Namibia’s efforts to combat climate change.
“This project demonstrates the potential for innovative technologies to drive economic growth and improve the lives of our citizens. I am proud to see the private sector taking a leading role in driving innovation and investment in our energy landscape,” said the Deputy Minister.
As Namibia continues to develop its energy sector, government wants to see prioritisation of sustainability and innovation. Renewable energy projects, like the TerraWatt 50 MW, are crucial to reducing Namibia’s reliance on fossil fuels and mitigating the impacts of climate change. They also provide opportunities for economic diversification and growth.
Deputy Minister Kröhne also acknowledged the hard work of the TerraWatt project team, led by the Project Manager Dinah Mutanimiye, contractors, and stakeholders who have worked tirelessly to bring this project to life.
She said the country must continue to harness locally available resources for the benefit of all Namibians, and that the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy will continue to create an enabling environment through sound, transparent and progressive policies, that will help the country to reach electricity generation targets outlined in the NDP6.
Commitment to Support Training of Young Namibians
As part of its investment in Namibia, TerraWatt has committed to supporting the training of young Namibians for each MW developed and built.
To this end, during the ground breaking ceremony TerraWatt handed a cheque of N$200 000 to the Youth4Purpose training institute represented by Olivia Namkomba.
During a Business Forum in Windhoek in June 2023, TerraWatt made a commitment to support the training of young Namibians in solar technologies and that its contractors must make use of trainees for 20% of the contracts under TerraWatt. “Today it’s time to live up to our agreement and make a first donation to the training institute. A first donation I said and for sure not the last,” said Nelis as he handed the N$200 000 cheque to Namkomba.
