With its 100-megawatt (MW) solar photovoltaic (PV) Sores |Gaib Power Station near Rosh Pinah expected to be operational by June 2026, NamPower has moved to add another 120 MW of new solar capacity, consisting of six 20 MW projects, to be developed by Independent Power Producers (IPPs).
Six separate grid-connected solar PV projects, each with a capacity of 20 MW, will be implemented by IPPs on a build, own, and operate basis.
The initiative is aimed at boosting local renewable energy generation, reducing reliance on imports, and enhancing grid stability. It is part of the government’s 2024 Ministerial Determination and Namibia’s Integrated Resource Plan (NIRP 2022), aimed at strengthening security of supply, reducing imports, and expanding least-cost renewable generation across the country. The plan aims to add at least 330 MW solar energy generation.
Each 20 MW solar power plant will connect directly to NamPower’s transmission system under a set of commercial agreements, including a power purchase agreement and a transmission connection agreement. Developers must also fund their own grid-connection applications and interconnection facilities.
NamPower’s 120MW solar roll out will be coupled with plans for a 45 MW / 90 MWh battery energy storage system (BESS). The utility is procuring a Lithium-ion BESS, known as the Lithops BESS project, located near Swakopmund. Backed by World Bank financing, this project is a critical part of the Transmission Expansion and Energy Storage (TEES) program. It aims to strengthen grid stability, enhance reliability, and support renewable energy integration, with bids closing at the end of February 2026 and operations planned for 2028.
Namibia’s renewable energy capacity currently stands at 168 MW of solar and the new initiative could significantly add to that capacity.
The NamPower bid for the 6 x 20 MW plants, which was open to international bidders, was initially slated to close at the end of January, 2026, but was extended to 20 February as bidders appealed for more time to get their documentation together. The evaluation process is now currently under way.
The solar project is expected to test developers on strict local ownership rules and a competitive scramble for land near eligible substations. Bidders must meet minimum Namibian ownership levels, including at least 39% total local shareholding and a mandatory 20% stake for previously disadvantaged Namibians in each project company.
Bidders were allowed to apply for more than one of the 20 MW power plants, but no single company will be awarded more than two plants.
However, the requirement for a bid security of N$5 million that was needed for each lot has been criticised as prohibitive by Namibian solar companies.
Only companies meeting the full qualification criteria will advance to the technical and financial evaluation stages.
Developers are also expected to secure land and project sites within a 50-kilometre radius of eligible NamPower substations identified for grid integration. NamPower says the substations have been selected based on grid-capacity assessments and lowest integration cost.
Permitting and environmental approvals will lie with the bidders themselves.
The following regions and eligible substations (SS) have been identified;
- Karas Region – Aussenkehr SS
- Hardap Region – Naruchas SS
- Oshikoto Region – Okatope SS
- Otjozondjupa Region – Osona SS
- Kavango East Region – Shiyambi SS
- Zambezi Region – Zambezi SS
Bidders were required to demonstrate a proven utility-scale PV technology with a minimum operating track record and full compliance with Namibia’s Grid Code.
