Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) has signed a partnership agreement with the Rosh Pinah Solar Park to finance N$164 million for Phase Two of the solar facility’s expansion.
DBN will co-fund the expansion of the existing 5.4 megawatt peak (MWp) Rosh Pinah Solar Park in the //Kharas Region. This follows the bank’s earlier investment of N$58 million in 2022 toward Phase One, which has successfully demonstrated the viability of clean energy generation to support industrial and community needs.
Phase Two, an 11 MWp expansion, is being developed to meet up to 30% of the increased annual energy demand for the Rosh Pinah Zinc Mine, driven by the mine’s RP2.0 expansion. In addition, the project will supply up to 30% of the annual electricity needs of RoshSkor Township, contributing directly to the town’s energy security and reliability.
Construction and commissioning of the expanded plant are expected to be completed by August 2026.
DBN CEO, Titus Ndove, said the partnership with the zinc mine solar project reflects the impact that strategic development finance can have in shaping a resilient and competitive Namibia.
“The expansion of the Rosh Pinah Solar Park demonstrates our commitment to financing transformative projects that secure Namibia’s energy future. By enabling clean, reliable power for industrial growth and community development, we are accelerating the country’s transition to sustainable energy while unlocking long-term economic value,” he said.
Ndove said the investment was firmly aligned with DBN’s mandate to advance Namibia’s socio-economic development through strategic financing that strengthens infrastructure, promotes regional development, and enhances national energy security.
The project also contributes to economic diversification in the southern region, where activity outside of mining remains limited, and reduces Namibia’s reliance on carbon-intensive energy sources.
The Rosh Pinah Solar Park expansion further strengthens Namibia’s commitment to global sustainability by directly supporting key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 7 (Affordable and clean energy), SDG 8 (Decent work and economic growth), and SDG 13 (Climate action).
The mine has underscored its commitment to reducing its environmental impact through embracing solar energy. The solar plant will reduce energy costs by 18% and cut the company’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 6% during its tenure.
Rosh Pinah Mine has entered into a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Emesco. The PPA will supply 30% of the mine’s power requirements at a fixed rate.
The plant will be partly financed, built and operated by Emerging Markets Energy Services Company (Emesco), a renewable energy provider.
Emesco and the mine owners had agreed that if a positive investment decision on the Rosh Pinah mine expansion project came to fruition, Emesco would increase the delivery of electricity to Rosh Pinah to remain at 30% of the mine’s annual energy consumption, as provided for under the amended single buyer framework.
