TIRI MASAWI
Namibia is set to spend about N$8 billion on power generation projects as it pushes toward energy self-sufficiency by 2030.
Minister of industries, mines and energy Modestus Amutse told Parliament last week that the total cost of national energy investments would be around N$8 billion, mobilised through international partnerships. The initiatives aim to increase generation capacity from the current 759 megawatts to 903 megawatts in the 2026/27 budget, making regional energy integration a cornerstone of the country’s long-term strategy.
“Looking ahead, the bidding process set by NamPower for the construction of the 120-megawatt Solar Independent Power Producer programme is expected to be completed by June 2026,” Amutse said. The programme will offer six private-sector investors the chance to each develop and operate a 20-megawatt solar plant.
The minister highlighted that the energy generation and transmission industry has created over 600 jobs, mainly for unskilled and semi-skilled workers. “This ensures that Namibians, especially those in rural communities, benefit directly from the ongoing 40-megawatt Biomass project near Tsumeb,” he said.
Other key projects include the 100-megawatt Sores/Gaib Solar Power substation in Rosh Pinah and the 51-megawatt Omburu Battery Storage system near Omaruru. Several major transmission and substation projects have also been completed, such as the 132 kV Namib–Diaz transmission line (//Karas Region), the 132 kV Sekelduin Substation (Erongo Region), and the upgraded Khomas 220/66 kV substations (Khomas Region).
“In the area of renewable energy, the Ministry through its stakeholders such as NamPower continues to expand its reach countrywide,” Amutse said. He noted that the 51-megawatt Battery Energy Storage System at Omburu will be completed by August 2026, and the 44-megawatt Diaz Wind Project by June 2026.
Construction is also underway at the 100-megawatt Sores/Gaib Solar Power Station, expected to be operational by December 2026, and the 40-megawatt biomass power plant at Otjikoto, expected by June 2027. “We will also begin construction of the 45-megawatt Lithops Battery Energy Storage System near Arandis next year,” he added.
Amutse said these projects will secure Namibia’s energy supply, stimulate local industries, create jobs, support skills development, and strengthen the integration of clean energy into the national grid. “The completion of the strategic 400-kilovolt Obib–Oranjemund transmission line strengthens our southern network and positions Namibia as a key player in the evolving regional power market,” he said.
He also highlighted cross-border cooperation with Angola through the 880-megawatt Baynes Hydropower Project and the Angola–Namibia (ANNA) Transmission Interconnector. The government is fast-tracking the medium-term implementation of the ANNA project within two years to import hydropower and provide affordable energy in Namibia.
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