Progress at Diaz Wind
Tall towers go up in May
InnoVent brings the long awaited 44MW wind project to life
The Diaz Wind Power Project, located near Lüderitz in the Karas Region, is a strategic renewable energy initiative being developed by InnoVent, and is the company’s second wind farm currently under construction on Namibia’s Atlantic coast. The project is InnoVent’s seventh Namibian renewable energy farm. In total, InnoVent has invested N$2.5 billion and has 75 MW of solar and wind power capacity. The Lüderitz wind farm is InnoVent’s largest investment in Africa.
This wind farm is being built partly through crowdfunding. A Lendosphere fund has been set up to finance the next phase of the wind farm’s construction. It will produce 230GWh of renewable electricity per year. This 44MW wind farm comprising 11 turbines. This project requires the involvement of a large number of stakeholders from different sectors, and InnoVent has chosen to work mainly with local companies and employees. This initiative will create jobs in Namibia and contribute to the country’s economic growth, according to InnoVent.
Coming to Namibia
The Da Kang left the port of Lusi in China with the rotors, hubs, nacelles and blades on 9 January. It arrived in the port of Lüderitz on 16 February, and unloading soon got under way. By the start of April, InnoVent announced that the roads, platforms and foundations were nearing completion. Nampower, the grid operator, had already started work on the connection to the electricity grid. The parts for four wind turbines were stored at the Ombepo site and have since been repatriated to the Diaz site. The towers for the other seven turbines are ready and will be delivered to the construction site towards the end of May. Installation of the internal network will begin in May, the developer said. The project involves the construction and operation of a large-scale wind farm that required an environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA), undertaken to evaluate the potential environmental and social impacts of the project. An environmental clearance certificate was granted by the then Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism following a thorough review process. To ensure compliance, a detailed environmental and social management plan (ESMP) was prepared and is currently being implemented.
More environmental care
Additionally, an environmental and social due diligence (ESDD) gap analysis was conducted to address local industry standard practice shortcomings. The ESIA identified the presence of various bird species (including migratory and raptors) and small mammals in the project area. Wind farms pose a risk of bird and bat mortality due to collisions with turbine blades.
The clearing of natural vegetation for roads, turbine foundations, and powerlines also leads to habitat loss and fragmentation. During the construction phase, the use of heavy machinery and transport vehicles increases ambient noise levels, potentially disturbing local wildlife.
No human settlements surround the project site, however, additional traffic and transportation via the Port of Lüderitz is being experienced. Dust emissions may also affect air quality on site for construction workers, especially considering the arid and windy environment of the Lüderitz area.
Turbines on the horizon
Wind turbines, which can reach heights of up to 150 meters, represent a significant alteration to the visual landscape. The visual impact is especially relevant for tourism-sensitive areas and scenic coastal views. Although not easily visible from public spaces, the airport and other operators working within the area, such as the mining license holders, may be affected. A visual impact assessment (VIA) was undertaken, and natural land contours were preserved as far as possible. Turbine colour schemes were selected to blend with the environment, however, strict adherence to national aviation regulations is implemented. Infrastructure is clustered to reduce landscape fragmentation.
Ground disturbance during excavation, road construction, and turbine installation increases the risk of erosion and sedimentation. Additionally, due to the site being a remote area of the Tsau/Khaeb National Park, no direct water sources are available and it was decided to utilise the nearest supply point, managed by Lüderitz Town Council, for construction activities. The project generates local employment and stimulates the regional economy, but temporary inconveniences include increased traffic, noise, and restricted land access during construction.
Practical actions
The ESMP outlines practical actions to avoid, minimize, or offset each identified impact. Turbine Micro-siting was optimized using avifaunal data from specialist studies to avoid sensitive flight paths. Construction is scheduled to avoid key breeding mammals identified. Avoidance of protected flora, and rehabilitation of disturbed areas using indigenous vegetation is ongoing. Continuous biodiversity monitoring ensures adaptive management in case of unexpected ecological changes. Water trucks are used to suppress dust on unpaved roads, where necessary. Dust masks are used to avoid unnecessary water consumption. Noise-intensive work is typically limited to daytime hours and carried out away from residential areas. Refuelling and maintenance is done in designated areas to prevent water and soil pollution. Wastewater and greywater is managed through sealed storage or municipal disposal. Hazardous waste is stored in bunded containers and removed by licensed contractors.
InnoVent has prioritized local hiring and procurement to maximize regional benefits. A grievance mechanism and regular consultation sessions ensure transparency and trust. Health and safety awareness campaigns were conducted.
This wind farm is being built partly through crowdfunding. A Lendosphere fund has been set up to finance the next phase of the wind farm’s construction. It will produce 230GWh of renewable electricity per year. This 44MW wind farm comprising 11 turbines. This project requires the involvement of a large number of stakeholders from different sectors, and InnoVent has chosen to work mainly with local companies and employees. This initiative will create jobs in Namibia and contribute to the country’s economic growth, according to InnoVent.
Coming to Namibia
The Da Kang left the port of Lusi in China with the rotors, hubs, nacelles and blades on 9 January. It arrived in the port of Lüderitz on 16 February, and unloading soon got under way. By the start of April, InnoVent announced that the roads, platforms and foundations were nearing completion. Nampower, the grid operator, had already started work on the connection to the electricity grid. The parts for four wind turbines were stored at the Ombepo site and have since been repatriated to the Diaz site. The towers for the other seven turbines are ready and will be delivered to the construction site towards the end of May. Installation of the internal network will begin in May, the developer said. The project involves the construction and operation of a large-scale wind farm that required an environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA), undertaken to evaluate the potential environmental and social impacts of the project. An environmental clearance certificate was granted by the then Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism following a thorough review process. To ensure compliance, a detailed environmental and social management plan (ESMP) was prepared and is currently being implemented.
More environmental care
Additionally, an environmental and social due diligence (ESDD) gap analysis was conducted to address local industry standard practice shortcomings. The ESIA identified the presence of various bird species (including migratory and raptors) and small mammals in the project area. Wind farms pose a risk of bird and bat mortality due to collisions with turbine blades.
The clearing of natural vegetation for roads, turbine foundations, and powerlines also leads to habitat loss and fragmentation. During the construction phase, the use of heavy machinery and transport vehicles increases ambient noise levels, potentially disturbing local wildlife.
No human settlements surround the project site, however, additional traffic and transportation via the Port of Lüderitz is being experienced. Dust emissions may also affect air quality on site for construction workers, especially considering the arid and windy environment of the Lüderitz area.
Turbines on the horizon
Wind turbines, which can reach heights of up to 150 meters, represent a significant alteration to the visual landscape. The visual impact is especially relevant for tourism-sensitive areas and scenic coastal views. Although not easily visible from public spaces, the airport and other operators working within the area, such as the mining license holders, may be affected. A visual impact assessment (VIA) was undertaken, and natural land contours were preserved as far as possible. Turbine colour schemes were selected to blend with the environment, however, strict adherence to national aviation regulations is implemented. Infrastructure is clustered to reduce landscape fragmentation.
Ground disturbance during excavation, road construction, and turbine installation increases the risk of erosion and sedimentation. Additionally, due to the site being a remote area of the Tsau/Khaeb National Park, no direct water sources are available and it was decided to utilise the nearest supply point, managed by Lüderitz Town Council, for construction activities. The project generates local employment and stimulates the regional economy, but temporary inconveniences include increased traffic, noise, and restricted land access during construction.
Practical actions
The ESMP outlines practical actions to avoid, minimize, or offset each identified impact. Turbine Micro-siting was optimized using avifaunal data from specialist studies to avoid sensitive flight paths. Construction is scheduled to avoid key breeding mammals identified. Avoidance of protected flora, and rehabilitation of disturbed areas using indigenous vegetation is ongoing. Continuous biodiversity monitoring ensures adaptive management in case of unexpected ecological changes. Water trucks are used to suppress dust on unpaved roads, where necessary. Dust masks are used to avoid unnecessary water consumption. Noise-intensive work is typically limited to daytime hours and carried out away from residential areas. Refuelling and maintenance is done in designated areas to prevent water and soil pollution. Wastewater and greywater is managed through sealed storage or municipal disposal. Hazardous waste is stored in bunded containers and removed by licensed contractors.
InnoVent has prioritized local hiring and procurement to maximize regional benefits. A grievance mechanism and regular consultation sessions ensure transparency and trust. Health and safety awareness campaigns were conducted.
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