- green-spots
- energy
- Namibia
- Solar energy in Outapi, Namibia
Problems
Namibia's domestic electricity production has fallen short of the increasing demand, resulting in the country generating less than half of the energy it consumes. The country's traditional generation capacity includes a mix of hydropower, coal, diesel, and thermal. The four state-owned power stations currently supplying electricity to the domestic market are Anixas (diesel, 22 MW), Paratus (diesel, 16 MW), Van Eck (coal, 120 MW), and Ruacana (hydro, 330 MW). All four plants are owned and operated by the national power utility, NamPower, which also owns and operates the national transmission system. Namibia's electricity demand exceeds its domestic generation capacity, which relies mainly on the Ruacana hydropower plant and the Van Eck coal-fired power station. As a result, Namibia imports about 60% of its electricity from neighboring countries, mainly South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. This exposes Namibia to supply risks, price fluctuations, and carbon emissions from fossil fuels.
Solutions
The Outapi solar project
Author: SolarQuarter
A ten-hectare solar energy farm in northern Namibia produces 9,000 MWh of energy annually. Producing power since July 2018, it was developed with the support of ClimatePartner. The project is helping increase the proportion of renewable energy sources in Namibia's energy mix and improve regional and national supply. At the project's premise was Camelthorn Business Ventures, a Namibian company established in 2011 to develop impact investing in Namibia in real estate and infrastructure. Camelthorn has always believed that social, environmental, and commercial goals can be successfully synthesized into sustainable business dynamics. In accordance with this perspective, they work side by side with the local communities. The goal of their social programs is not charity but to increase the quality of life in the long run by promoting high education and local entrepreneurship. Other solar projects have since been launched and are currently in the planning stages. These initiatives, whose capabilities range from tens to hundreds of megawatts, will significantly increase Namibia's ability to produce power and aid in diversifying its energy sources. Communities previously underserved by the national grid now receive clean and affordable electricity thanks to solar household systems and mini-grids. This decrease in dependency on centralized power infrastructure and empowerment of people and communities to become self-sufficient through decentralized energy generation. Additionally, it supports socio-economic development in isolated areas and improves access to energy. Namibia's solar market still faces several difficulties despite the advances. The high initial cost of solar installations is one of the major obstacles. Although the long-term advantages of solar energy are clear, the initial investment needed can be a significant barrier for both individuals and companies. The Namibian government wants to make solar installations more accessible and inexpensive, including tax incentives and subsidized loans. The insufficient grid infrastructure in some locations is another issue. Due to Namibia's extensive landscape, expanding the national grid to isolated areas presents practical difficulties. Off-grid and decentralized solar solutions are now receiving more attention due to this. By 2025, 80% of Namibia's population will have access to renewable energy, primarily through off-grid solar solutions, according to the government's Off-Grid Energy Master Plan. Solar companies now have a rare chance to enter the off-grid sector and offer cutting-edge energy solutions to disadvantaged populations. Solar energy is becoming more and more competitive with conventional energy sources as costs come down and technology improves. Solar energy is positioned to be a significant force in Namibia's sustainable development because of this and other factors, including the need to cut greenhouse gas emissions and fight climate change. The plant reduces carbon emissions by producing green, emission-free electricity. 9,300 tCO2 are avoided each year, supplying 3,000 households with green electricity. The project promoted employment and skills development during construction and operation. The plant provides positive demonstration effects for solar development in Namibia and neighboring countries.
Gallery
4
Timelines
2023
The Atlantic Council Global Energy Center hosted a public event focused on the prospect of Namibia becoming a green hydrogen hub in Southern Africa. Speakers discussed the potential for green hydrogen to advance African decarbonization and the expected impact of energy innovation on African socio-economic development.
2020
Innovent a French independent company building and operating wind and solar farms in Africa bought the project from Camelthorn. Their objective is to double the capacity production of the plant by adding new solar panels.
2018
A ten-hectare solar energy farm producing 9000 MWh of energy per year was established in Outabi, Zambia. It was developed with the support of ClimatePartner. The project is helping increase the proportion of renewable energy sources in Namibia's energy mix and improve regional and national supply.
2016
CBV2 obtained “financial closing approval” from Nampower and subsequently, CBV2 signed with Contatto Renewable Namibia an EPC agreement for the construction of the plant.
2014
CBV2 was granted by the Electricity Control Board (“ECB”) with the generation license and in 2015, CBV2 was enrolled in the national REFIT program. In October of the same year, CBV2 was selected by NamPower among the 14 Independent Power Producers (“IPPs”).
2012
The SPV was created under the name of Camelthorn Business Ventures No. Two (Pty) Ltd (“CBV2”). CBV2 obtained all the required consents and approvals to build a 5MWp PV plant in 7 ha of land proprietary owned by the mother company.
2011
Camelthorn Business Venturesa Namibian company was established to develop impact investing in Namibia in real estate and infrastructure. Camelthorn has always believed that social, environmental, and commercial goals can be successfully synthesized into sustainable business dynamics.