Namibia has begun construction on the Sores Gaib Solar Power Plant, a 100-MW solar power plant led by NamPower and TotalEnergies. The project will significantly boost the country’s renewable energy capacity and reduce its reliance on electricity imports.
Namibia Solar Project Set to Become Nation’s Largest Energy Initiative
Located in the Hardap Region, the 100-MW Sores Gaib Solar Power Plant is an ambitious collaboration between the national utility, NamPower, and French energy company TotalEnergies.
The Sores Gaib facility represents a major step forward for Namibia’s renewable energy sector. Upon completion, it will be the largest solar power plant in the country, directly supporting Namibia’s goal of achieving greater energy independence and minimizing its reliance on electricity imports.
During the ground-breaking ceremony, NamPower’s managing director, Kahenge Haulofu, highlighted the project’s importance, noting that the Sores Gaib plant will be instrumental in reducing the financial burden of electricity imports.
The plant is expected to power thousands of homes, diminishing Namibia’s dependency on electricity imports from South Africa’s Eskom and other regional utilities.
Funding and Development Details of Namibia Solar Power Plant
The Sores Gaib Solar Power Plant is a public-private partnership (PPP), with TotalEnergies and its local partner, InnoSun Energy, holding a 70% stake while NamPower owns the remaining 30%. The project is slated for completion by 2025 and is expected to have a 25-year lifespan.
Located near Aranos in the Hardap Region, the plant will cover approximately 260 hectares and feature advanced solar photovoltaic (PV) technology. The electricity it generates will be fed into Namibia’s national grid to strengthen the domestic supply and reduce the need for imported power.
The project is expected to create hundreds of construction jobs and offer long-term employment for local residents. Haulofu also noted that the Sores Gaib plant is part of NamPower’s broader strategy to diversify its energy mix and bolster renewable energy capacity.
Namibia Solar Power Driving National Renewable Energy Goals
Namibia has set bold targets for renewable energy development, aiming to generate 70% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030. Currently, Namibia relies heavily on electricity imports, which account for about 60% of its total electricity consumption.
The Sores Gaib Solar Power Plant is one of several renewable energy projects underway in Namibia. Other initiatives include the 20-MW Omburu Solar Power Plant, another venture by NamPower and TotalEnergies, and the 50-MW Diaz Wind Power Plant, which is being developed by a consortium of local and international investors.
Namibia’s government has been actively promoting renewable energy development through various policy initiatives and incentives. The country’s Renewable Energy Policy, launched in 2017, outlines a roadmap for increasing the share of renewables in the national energy mix.
The policy includes targets for solar, wind, and biomass energy, as well as measures to promote energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The Sores Gaib Solar Power Plant marks a significant milestone on Namibia’s path toward energy independence and sustainability.
As a critical step toward achieving its renewable energy goals, the Sores Gaib Solar Power Plant will significantly reduce Namibia’s dependence on electricity imports. With support from international partners like TotalEnergies and local stakeholders, the country is well on its way to becoming a leader in renewable energy in Africa.
