Sunlight for greener gold

Augetto GraigSince April, the 10MW Maxwell Solar Plant has been supplying power to B2Gold’s Otjikoto gold mine, located about 20 km away.“The Maxwell Solar Plant is a big step forward in opening up access to Namibia’s grid,” said Francois van Themaat, co-founder and director of solar plant developers Sustainable Power Solutions (SPS), at a recent celebratory event at the Mount Etjo Safari Lodge.SPS is owned by Gridworks (part of British International Investment), Airnergize Capital on behalf of New GX Capital, and RMB Ventures. The SPS portfolio spans southern Africa, including over 350 plants generating 150MW peak and featuring 40MW hours of battery storage.According to Van Themaat, the Maxwell project is particularly significant for Namibia: “It proves that wheeling under the MSB programme works and shows how private producers and corporate off-takers can collaborate with NamPower to accelerate renewable energy deployment.”NamPower’s Modified Single Buyer (MSB) programme allows private Independent Power Producers (IPPs) to sell electricity directly to large customers via the national grid. The plant, located on Maxwell Farm about 50 km north of Otjiwarongo, is the first ‘wheeling’ renewable energy project successfully commissioned under this programme. Wheeling means that the solar plant is not on the energy consumer’s property but feeds power through Namibia’s national grid.B2Gold had already commissioned a 7MW on-site solar plant in 2018, which supplied up to 13% of the mine’s power needs. With Maxwell Solar, renewable energy now provides a meaningful portion of the Otjikoto Mine’s electricity requirements.“B2Gold’s ambition is to be Namibia’s leader in renewable-powered mining,” said John Roos, country manager for B2Gold Namibia. “Partnering with SPS under the MSB framework gives us a cost-effective, low-carbon energy supply and demonstrates what is possible for the mining sector.”Combined effortsThe N$180 million project reflects the combined efforts of SPS, B2Gold Namibia, the Oelofse family, and Fortitude, which played a key advisory role in stakeholder engagement and project execution.Alex Oelofse highlighted the 50-year heritage of the Okonjati Game Reserve, home to Mount Etjo and the historic Mount Etjo Declaration in 1989, which paved the way for Namibia’s independence.“For us, the Maxwell Solar Plant is more than energy,” said Oelofse. “It aligns perfectly with our conservation efforts and mission to keep Namibia green and sustainable for generations. This proves that clean energy and environmental stewardship can thrive together.”The 19 440 solar panels now form part of this heritage, following the Oelofse family’s decision to exchange land ownership for equity in the plant.The project, initiated before the MSB framework was finalised, required close collaboration with NamPower and the Electricity Control Board (ECB) to develop a workable model. The shorter eight-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) aligns with the mine’s approved life of mine, demonstrating both courage and dedication to Namibia’s renewable energy future.“It was ambitious, but we believe in Namibia’s renewable future,” said Van Themaat. “Maxwell Solar is a milestone not only for SPS, but for Namibia and Africa.”SPS plans to expand Maxwell Solar, incorporate battery storage, and create a blueprint for future renewable energy projects across the region.Watch more here: q.my.na/E6NG

Sunlight for greener gold

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Republikein 2026-01-28

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Sunlight for greener gold

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Republikein 2026-01-28

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