The Moses Mague //Garoëb Khan Solar Plant was inaugurated in Arandis, Namibia, marking a significant advancement in the country’s renewable energy sector. This N$250 million project, developed by Khan Solar (Pty) Ltd, is a 25 MW photovoltaic plant that will generate 67.4 GWh annually, thereby reducing Namibia’s reliance on imported electricity and cutting carbon emissions.
Investment and Impact of the Garoëb Khan Solar Plant
The Moses Mague //Garoëb Khan Solar Plant, a major renewable energy project, was officially inaugurated in Arandis, Namibia. This N$250 million initiative represents a key advancement in the country’s efforts to expand its renewable energy capacity. The plant is a 25 MW photovoltaic (PV) facility developed by Khan Solar (Pty) Ltd, a consortium of Namibian and international investors. This includes Balancell, Blue Rhino Energy, and NamPower.
According to Namibia Economist, the plant is expected to generate 67.4 GWh of electricity annually. This output will significantly reduce Namibia’s reliance on imported electricity, cutting it by N$100 million per year. The plant will also help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 34,481.8 tonnes annually.
Community and Economic Benefits of the Garoëb Khan Solar Plant
The project has already created over 500 job opportunities during its construction phase, with 140 of these positions going to residents of the Erongo Region. This has not only provided employment but also helped stimulate the local economy.
During the inauguration, the Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, highlighted the importance of the plant in Namibia’s broader energy strategy. He noted that the Moses Mague //Garoëb Khan Solar Plant is a crucial step toward achieving the country’s goal of generating 80% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025. The minister praised the collaboration between the private sector and state-owned entities like NamPower, which was instrumental in bringing the project to fruition.
Garoëb Khan Solar Plant: Strategic Location and Capacity
The Khan Solar Plant is one of two major solar projects recently inaugurated by NamPower. The other is the Anixas II Plant, a 20 MW facility located in Walvis Bay. Together, these plants represent a combined investment of over N$500 million and have added 45 MW of renewable energy capacity to Namibia’s national grid. The Moses Mague //Garoëb Khan Solar Plant is strategically located near Arandis, a town that has historically been associated with the mining industry. However, the town is now becoming a hub for renewable energy development, thanks to its abundant sunlight and available land.
The plant’s location also allows it to easily connect to NamPower’s transmission network, ensuring that the electricity it generates can be efficiently distributed across the country. NamPower’s Managing Director, Simson Haulofu, spoke at the inauguration about the importance of diversifying Namibia’s energy mix. He noted that while the country has made significant strides in developing its renewable energy sector, there is still much work to be done.
Haulofu emphasized the need for continued investment in renewable energy projects, as well as the importance of developing new technologies like battery storage to ensure a stable and reliable power supply.
Future Renewable Energy Projects Involving the Garoëb Khan Solar Plant
The Moses Mague //Garoëb Khan Solar Plant is part of Namibia’s broader strategy to become a leader in renewable energy in Southern Africa. The country has set ambitious targets for expanding its renewable energy capacity, and projects like the Khan Solar Plant are critical to achieving these goals. More details about similar initiatives can be found in this article.
As Namibia continues to invest in renewable energy, it is also exploring opportunities to export electricity to neighboring countries. Namibia is positioning itself to become a key player in the regional energy market by developing a robust renewable energy infrastructure.
The inauguration of the Moses Mague //Garoëb Khan Solar Plant is a major milestone for Namibia’s renewable energy sector. This N$250 million project is not only reducing the country’s reliance on imported electricity but also creating jobs and cutting carbon emissions. As Namibia continues to expand its renewable energy capacity, projects like this will play a crucial role in shaping the country’s energy future.