By Michel Haoses.

Power utility, NamPower last week signed the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract worth over N$1.4 billion with China Jiangxi International Economic and Technical Cooperation and Chint Energy Development (Zhejiang) Joint Venture for the planned Rosh Pinah 100MW PV Project.

The addition of the largest PV plant in Namibia will be developed 33 km northwest of Rosh Pinah town which will aid in addressing and supporting the renewable energy commitments prescribed in the fifth National Development Plan (NDP5), Renewable Energy Policy, National Energy Policy, and National Integrated Resource Plan for the electricity supply industry in Namibia.

Moreover, the plant will play a pivotal role in transitioning towards a low-carbon and environmentally sustainable energy system simultaneously solidifying NamPower’s intention of being a leader in the promotion of clean energy solutions and reducing the carbon footprint and carbon content of our electricity.

According to NamPower Managing Director Simson Haulofu, the project stands to contribute to the managing and regulating of future electricity increases, not only benefiting customers by lowering increases to their electricity bills but also contributing to the overall economic growth and environmental sustainability.

He noted that the estimated project cost amounts to over N$ 1.6 billion (including development costs), of which a concessional loan from KfW Development Bank will cover almost 80% of the total cost, while NamPower will fund the remaining 20% from its balance sheet.

Furthermore, the contractor is required to meet a minimum Local Content Spend Guarantee of 25% of the construction cost, meaning the contractor must set aside works, services, and goods for local companies and spend minimum of N$350,000,000.

As the construction period of the plant is estimated to last approximately 18 months, NamPower anticipates close to 800 workers to be onsite of which all semi-skilled and unskilled labour will be sourced locally in line with the conditions agreed in the EPC Contract.

“In conclusion, as we put pen to paper and sign the documents that will set the largest solar PV plant in Namibia into motion, let this moment serve as a pledge to our continued efforts towards a sustainable future with NamPower leading the way with technological advancement on the national grid,” he concluded.