Invest in energy, Schlettwein urges

Ogone Tlhage



Minister of finance Calle Schlettwein has urged private-sector investors to look at collaborative projects in the power sector.

He made the remarks yesterday at the third Annual Public-Private Partnership Conference, hosted by the ministry of finance, PwC Namibia and Standard Bank Namibia.

According to Schlettwein, Namibia's location within Southern Africa and its abundant sunshine throughout the year boded well for its ability to ­generate solar electricity for the region.

“Namibia has an ambitious plan for private investments in the power generation sector and given its strategic location, we have the potential to light up Southern Africa,” said Schlettwein.

“Namibia is fortunate to be endowed with many natural resources that we can exploit to become power self-sufficient.

“We have one of the highest solar radiation resources, for free and suitable for PV and CSP installations,” said Schlettwein.

“We also have suitable locations and available space for wind energy generation. These renewable energy resources are an excellent solution for off-grid connectivity and in order to accelerate the electricity service to unserved areas.”

The government was favourably looking at small- and medium-scale power projects, Schlettwein told potential investors.

“Generation of electricity from renewable resources is therefore enjoying the highest support from government and the private sector; a number of small- and medium-scale renewable energy projects have been and are being developed,” he said.

The public sector was more than willing to partner with the private sector he added, he indicated.

“The public sector alone cannot respond to the enormous investment needed to meet the growing demand for electricity.

“We must therefore leverage on private-sector resources to finance, build and operate power infrastructure, in order to help take electricity to all corners in Namibia where households and businesses are presently deprived of this enabling facility,” said Schlettwein.

He said Namibia must learning from the success of the renewable energy programme in South Africa.

“Not only will the economy benefit from the enhanced development of productive infrastructure, but PPPs in the power sector could reduce the price of power, improve competitiveness and bring about a better balance of payment and positive current account balance,” Schlettwein said.

The minister informed delegates attending the conference that the PPP regulations were expected to be gazetted before the end of the year.