NamPower maps 540MW expansion

NamPower plans to add 540MW of new generation capacity over the next five years as it expands domestic power production and strengthens the transmission network.NamPower launched its latest integrated strategic business plan in Windhoek on Tuesday, 29 September 2026, outlining a pipeline of generation and transmission projects aimed at increasing the country’s electricity supply and improving regional connectivity.The utility also plans to strengthen its links with neighbouring countries, with a new transmission interconnector expected to connect Namibia to Angola and the Southern African Power Pool.195MW due over the next two yearsNamPower chief operating officer Ben Mingeli said in a presentation that several projects had recently added to the country's generation capacity.These include the 20MW Khan solar photovoltaic power plant, completed in May 2025; the 54MW Anixas II diesel- and gas-fired coastal power station expansion, completed in November 2024; and the 20MW Omburu solar facility, completed in May 2022.Together, the projects have added 94MW of generation capacity.The 51MW, one-hour Omburu Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) is expected to be delivered to the grid in the third quarter of this year, while another 44MW from the Diaz Wind project is expected before the end of 2026.A further 100MW from the Rosh Pinah Solar project is expected in early 2027.The three projects would add 195MW of capacity over the next two years, after which NamPower plans to accelerate the rollout, with another 335MW expected to come online over the following two to five years.More solar, wind and storage projects plannedThe next phase of projects includes the 40MW Otjikoto Biomass power station, scheduled for the third quarter of 2027.A 50MW CERIM Wind independent power producer project is planned for Lüderitz in early 2028, while a 120MW solar sextuplet independent power producer tender is scheduled towards the end of 2028.NamPower also plans to bring a 45MW, two-hour Lithops Battery Energy Storage System online in the fourth quarter of 2028.Another 80MW from the Omburu photovoltaic project is expected in early 2029.The planned projects form part of the utility's broader effort to increase domestic generation and diversify the sources feeding Namibia's electricity system.Major projects remain further outNamPower's longer-term project pipeline includes the proposed 440MW Baynes hydropower plant, a 475MW gas-to-power plant supplied from the Kudu gas fields and a 300MW large-scale wind power project.The projects are currently anticipated for 2033, 2032 and 2031 respectively.NamPower is also open to a small modular nuclear reactor solution, although the necessary legislative and international requirements are not yet in place.Transmission network to be strengthenedAlongside its generation programme, NamPower is continuing to implement its Transmission Master Plan to strengthen the national grid.The Auas-Kokerboom II transmission line is planned as a second 400kV connection between Keetmanshoop and Windhoek.The Obib-Oranjemund line will provide a second 400kV connection between NamPower's network and Eskom in South Africa.NamPower is also working with the City of Windhoek on the 220/66kV Khomas substation, while the 220/66kV Erongo substation is being developed with ErongoRED.The 220kV Otjikoto-Masivi transmission line, together with the 220/132kV Masivi substation, is intended to strengthen electricity supply to north-eastern Namibia.New Angola link plannedRegional connectivity is also set to expand through the ANNA Transmission Interconnector.The project will establish a 400kV transmission line between Kunene in Namibia and Cahama in Angola. It will include 400kV line feeder bays and 400kV/300kV transformation equipment at the Kunene substation.The interconnector is expected to strengthen Namibia's position within the regional electricity market and improve connectivity between the Namibian and Angolan power systems.Generation capacity expanded since 1996NamPower managing director Kahenge Haulofu said the utility had expanded Namibia’s local generation capacity to 563.5MW since its establishment in 1996.The utility built on the 394.6MW generation capacity established by its predecessor, the former South-West Africa Water and Electricity Corporation (SWAWEK).Following good rains, the Ruacana hydroelectric power station can generate up to 347MW. The Van Eck power station can produce 120MW from coal when required, while the Anixas power station in Walvis Bay can generate up to 76.5MW.The Omburu solar photovoltaic plant adds 20MW during daylight hours.Haulofu highlighted what he described as significant growth in NamPower’s generation portfolio, as well as the development of about 25,000km of transmission and distribution overhead power lines across the country.He said the utility's profits had increased from N$193 million in 1999 to N$1.4 billion in the 2025 financial year, while its asset value had risen from N$3.8 billion to N$58 billion.Haulofu said NamPower's system reliability averaged more than 99%. He also referred to the utility's workforce as its "green and gold army", saying employee numbers had increased from 781 in 1996 to 1,129.

NamPower maps 540MW expansion

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Republikein 2026-10-01

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NamPower maps 540MW expansion

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