Namibia’s state-owned electricity utility, NamPower, has published a tender for the procurement of a contractor for the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) of the Rosh Pinah 70 MW solar photovoltaic power project. Interested bidders have up to the 31st of July to respond to the tender.

The 70 MW solar energy project forms part of Namibia’s plans to implement six new power generation projects with around 220 MW capacity by 2025, to help secure the country’s energy needs and reduce electricity imports.

Of the 220 capacity, NamPower was awarded authorisation for up to 150MW of projects which it will be financed by NamPower from its balance sheet.

One of the projects, the Omburu 20MW Solar PV Project was inaugurated by the Namibian electricity utility last year, and is now commercially operational.

“As the projects reach completion, they will over a period of time reduce our reliance on imports and increase self-sufficiency and improve security of supply. These projects form part of the ministerial determination of 2018 and NamPower’s integrated strategy and business plan for 2020-2025,” said NamPower.

The 70 MW solar project replaces the 40 MW Rosh Pinah wind energy project which was discontinued due to insufficient wind energy resources to make the project commercially viable. NamPower expects the project to be completed by 2025.

Namibia is very dependent on its neighbours to meet its electricity demand. The country imports electricity via the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), and has agreements with South Africa for supply of 100MW, Zambia, for supply of 180MW, and Zimbabwe, for supply of 80MW.

According to NamPower, electricity supply to Namibia from its neighbours is curtailed as South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Zambia continue to face power supply challenges of their own. The country’s move to develop new energy generation capacity is expected to help ensure energy security is not interrupted in the country.