3 000 households get solar power at Outapi

AROUND 3 000 households in the Omusati region are blessed with electricity after the completion of a N$119 million five megawatt plant.

Vice president Nangolo Mbumba, who officially opened the solar power plant at Outapi on Tuesday, said electricity is the key to all social and economic activities in the country’s development agenda.

He said it is an advantage to have electricity produced locally, as it will see a positive socio-economic spin-off effect that will enable greater economic opportunities.

“The importance of the electricity sector in a thriving economy cannot be overstated, as it is common cause that uninterrupted power supply will form part of our industrialisation efforts,” Mbumba added.

Ferdinand Nghiyolwa, who is the managing director of the company Camelthorn Business Venture (Pty) Ltd which built the solar plant, said Namibia is ideal for renewable energy projects, mainly solar photovoltaic, concentrated solar power (CSP), and solar thermal.

He noted that the project’s energy generation contributes to the improvement of the livelihoods of Outapi residents through the 10% shares granted to the Outapi Community Trust.

“Revenue generated through the shares will be used to build classrooms for rural children, medicine supply, elderly care and any projects as proposed by the board of trustees, in consultation with the Outapi community,” he said.

Nghiyolwa further stated that there would be zero national load-shedding as there will be an increase in local electricity generation capacity from 400MW to 600MW by 2020, and the provision of electricity to all schools and health facilities by 2020. “It is, therefore, our desire to keep complementing government efforts to meet not only the objectives as per the Harambee Prosperity Plan, but to assist other national policies such as Vision 2030 and the National Development Plans,” he continued.

Omusati governor Erginus Endjala said another solar plant is planned for Outapi and Oshikuku. The aim is for the region to produce its own electricity.

The region currently utilises about 12MW for both its household and business use, of which 5MW per annum will now be generated locally at this newly commissioned photovoltaic plant. So far, 566 920 kWh (units) of clean energy has been generated from this local plant and consumed by local customers.

Camelthorn BV has signed a long-term power purchase agreement with NamPower for 25 years.