Power utility, NamPower, has finalised a deal with two Chinese companies for the construction of a 100 megawatt solar park in the south of the country.
The solar farm to be built at Rosh Pinah by the joint-venture of China Jiangxi International Economic and Technical Cooperation and Chint New Energy Development (Zhejiang), will be Namibia’s largest solar power plant, adding to the country’s existing 500 MW generation capacity.
The estimated total project cost amounts to over N$1.6 billion (which includes the development costs), of which a concessional loan from KfW will cover almost 80% of the total costs, while NamPower is funding the remaining 20% from our balance sheet. The engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract signed between NamPower and the Chinese companies is worth over N$1.4 billion.
NamPower Managing Director, Kahenge Simson Haulofu, said the new plant will help stabilise future electricity tariffs, spur economic growth, and enhance environmental sustainability. The Rosh Pinah 100MW PV plant is expected to come into commercial operation in the second quarter of 2026.
The solar farm will not only contribute positively to the country’s economy but will also aid in addressing and supporting the renewable energy commitments prescribed in the Renewable Energy Policy, National Energy Policy and National Integrated Resource Plan for the electricity supply industry in Namibia. Most importantly, the PV plant will play a pivotal role in transitioning towards a low carbon and environmentally sustainable energy system.
“As we embark on this journey towards harnessing the power of the sun, we are not just expanding our infrastructure by building this plant but laying the foundation for an environmentally conscious future. The addition of this second PV plant is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability and our belief in the power of renewable energy to drive positive change,” said Haulofu.
Haulofu said the 100MW PV plant will also solidify NamPower’s intention of being a leader in the promotion of clean energy solutions and reducing our carbon footprint and carbon content of our electricity.
“The investment into the Rosh Pinah 100 MW PV Project will contribute to managing and regulating future increases in electricity tariffs. This will not only benefit individual consumers by lowering increases to their electricity bills but also contribute to the overall economic growth and environmental sustainability,” the NamPower MD said.
The contractor is required to meet a minimum Local Content Spend Guarantee of 25% of the construction cost. This means that the contractor must subcontract set aside works, services and goods to local companies for a spend of a minimum of about N$350 million.
“The project team will keep records of all these activities to ensure that these objectives and undertakings are met. The construction of the plant will create job opportunities for locals, as all semi-skilled and unskilled labour must be sourced locally in line with the conditions agreed in the EPC contract,” Haulofu said.
Deng Yan, the Managing Director of China Jiangxi International, said his company has been active in Namibia for over 20 years, completing 61 projects across the country. Internationally, China Jiangxi has delivered over 600 engineering projects across more than 50 countries.
“Together, I am confident that our joint efforts will ensure the successful execution of this project, create more job opportunities, and make a significant contribution to Namibia’s development,” Yan said.
