Energy ministry prepares for 300 MW feed-in programme
Opportunity beckons for power producers
The ministry of energy is set to invite independent power producers to provide it with 300 megawatts to help satisfy electricity demand in Namibia.
The ministry of energy is set to announce a 300 megawatt feed-in tariff programme to accelerate Namibia’s path to energy self-sufficiency.This is according to energy minister Tom Alweendo, following the tabling of his ministry’s budget recently.
“In the area of energy, we are still concerned that we continue to import more than half our electricity needs, a position that is indeed untenable. To ensure our pathway to energy is further emboldened, the ministry will soon announce a 300 megawatt (MW) accelerated feed-in tariff programme that will ensure Namibia speeds up its way to self-sufficiency."
Alweendo said his ministry is working to wean Namibia from its dependence on energy from its southern African neighbours, whom he said are also under pressure.
“This is crucial not just to ensure that we meet our energy needs but also to reduce the burden we place on our neighbours, as they too are energy insecure. Regional energy security is critical for the broader stability of the southern African community,” the minister said.
Unlocking power sources
NamPower is also on track to secure funding for the construction of the Auas-Kokerboom transmission line, Alweendo said.
“NamPower is on the brink of unlocking just under N$2.6 billion, including a N$280 million grant from the Global Public Good, which will be used to finance the Auas-Kokerboom transmission line and battery storage,” he said.
The ministry was finalising its local content policy to ensure local companies benefit from Namibia’s anticipated newly found oil discoveries.
“The idea of a local content policy is to ensure maximum local economic benefits through service provision to the oil industry by businesses owned by Namibians. We will do everything necessary to ensure that the policy is developed with input from as many stakeholders as possible and that it is fit for purpose,” Alweendo said.
“We would have failed the country if we did not ready ourselves to play a role in this new industry. For that to happen, we need to develop a dogged determination to make it happen,” he added.