Nampower held a ground breaking ceremony for the Otjikoto power station in Tsumeb, Otjikoto sub-station. The ground breaking ceremony marks the transition from development of the project to execution phase demonstrating Nampower`s commitment to a greener future.
The Otjikoto 40 MW Biomass Project, the first of its kind generation project in Namibia, will see the development of a biomass power station near the Otjikoto Substation outside of Tsumeb.
Speaking at the ceremony, Nampower`s Managing Director, Kahenge Haulofu said that the Biomass power station will generate 40 MW of baseload electricity, which will be a huge achievement for Nampower as it will demonstrate their determination and commitment towards ensuring security of supply.
Haulofu further added that their vision is not only about producing electricity but also about bringing growth and prosperity to Oshikoto region, Otjozondjupa and surrounding communities.
The power plant is expected to create jobs, bring in new skills, and activate fresh opportunities for local businesses.
The Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alwendo delivered the keynote address in which he highlighted that the biomass project will have several macro and microeconomic benefits, which include among others, better livestock carrying capacities through improved rangelands and agricultural productivity, increased groundwater absorption within the harvested areas. In that way contributing to community growth through direct and indirect job creation throughout the fuel supply chain and the operation of the power station.
With Namibia known to import about fifty percent of its annual electricity needs in order to meet local electricity demand; Alwendo emphasised that once completed, the Biomass power station will contribute towards efforts to reduce the reliance on imported electricity, while contributing towards Namibia`s energy security.
Speaking during the ceremony was also the ambassador of France, Cecile Vigneau who pointed out that the Otjikoto biomass power station project is fully in line with France`s strategic orientation in terms of solidarity and sustainable investment, which are carried out by the French Development Agency (AFD).
The French Development Agency (AFD) are the project lenders with an amount of 100 million EUROs`s and have also assisted Nampower in securing several grants towards the project.
The commercial operation date of the power station is set for the 1st Quarter of 2027.
At the ground breaking ceremony that was held in Tsumeb, Otjikoto sub-station: The Otjikoto Biomass power station is expected to start its commercial operation date in the 1st Quarter of 2027.
