NEC Energy is proud to have played a vital role in powering one of Namibia’s most visionary off-grid agricultural developments at Gaidip Oasis, in the Karas region.
The Gaidip Oasis Agricultural Project is a 10,000-tree date palm plantation inaugurated in November 2025 to boost food security. This sustainable, tech-driven venture aims to grow 600,000 trees, create up to 3,000 jobs, and produce 5,000 metric tons of dates annually.
This landmark project stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when innovation, renewable energy, and national support align with a long-term vision.
The innovative development was delivered by a 100% Namibian contractor team, highlighting strong local expertise and collaboration. Project management was led by Namib Projects, with Brandberg Construction as the main civil contractor. AgriTurf was responsible for the pumping and irrigation system design and supply, while NEC Energy designed, supplied, and installed the solar power systems and backup generator.
GSFA Consulting Engineers provided the power system design, Tribinex handled pipework installation, and CK Heydt completed the civil works and building construction.
At the heart of the agriculture project is a fully solar-powered pumping and irrigation system, inaugurated by Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare in November 2025. The development includes high-performance booster pump stations and advanced solar island systems, enabling day-and-night centre pivot irrigation from three large 18,000 m³ storage dams. Together, these systems are transforming arid land along the Orange River into productive farmland for high-value crops, including royal dates.
Operating entirely off-grid, the farm is supported by a 500 kVA backup generator supplied and installed by NEC Energy, ensuring reliability during cloudy conditions or periods of peak irrigation demand.
Prime Minister Ngurare also inaugurated the River Extraction Pump Station, a critical component enabling a sustainable water supply for the project.
Beyond infrastructure and energy innovation, the project delivers meaningful social impact.
A representative from the client side, Warifo Investments, highlighted the project’s contribution to local employment, supporting up to 1,200 families during the harvest season, while the Prime Minister emphasized the possibilities that arise when government supports and enables the private sector to attract direct foreign investment.
Powered by solar energy, collaboration, and forward-thinking design, the Gaidip Oasis project demonstrates how sustainable infrastructure can turn desert landscapes into thriving agricultural hubs — proving that, with the right vision, the desert can indeed bloom.
