As Namibia continues to position itself as a renewable energy hub in Southern Africa, developers, regulators, and communities alike are grappling with important technical and environmental considerations.
A recent site engagement with stakeholders, project officials, and members of the media shed light on how Namibia is addressing challenges tied to renewable energy intermittency, land access, environmental sustainability, and equitable power distribution.
Managing Grid Intermittency, Lessons from a Seven-Year Journey
Responding to a question about Namibia’s readiness to handle increasing amounts of solar energy, the Managing Director of NamPower, Simson Haulofu, acknowledged that the issue of grid intermittency has long been on the radar.
“About seven years ago, we undertook a detailed study to determine how much intermittent energy the grid could accommodate without disrupting frequency and voltage stability,” he explained.
That study yielded a clear threshold, and while Namibia is now nearing that limit, proactive measures are in place.
To cushion the impact, NamPower is integrating smaller baseload solutions, such as biomass power plants, into the energy mix. “With the 100 megawatts coming online and other projects in the pipeline, we are still operating within manageable limits,” Haulofu confirmed.
Land Use and Lease Agreements: Private Partnerships in Practice
One of the topics raised was the land acquisition process for the solar farm currently under development. The project sits on private farmland under a 30-year lease agreement.
“We had extensive negotiations with the landowner. It’s a sizable area, and we’ve taken care to limit the environmental footprint,” the NamPower project manager noted.
Journalists on site were encouraged to observe the vastness of the land and understand the scale of the solar installation in relation to untouched areas, hinting at future potential development while preserving much of the terrain.
Grid Integration and Battery Storage
Though no battery energy storage system (BESS) is being installed immediately, provisions have been made. “We’ve reserved a nearby area for future battery deployment,” said Haulofu.
“The system design already accounts for storage integration.” Moreover, two additional storage facilities are under development on the national grid, designed to support the broader energy system and mitigate fluctuations from intermittent sources.
Crucially, as the team clarified, battery deployment doesn’t need to be physically located at the solar site itself. “Strategic grid integration at various nodes is sufficient to maintain overall system balance,” the NamPower technical team explained.
Powering Orangemund: Reintegration Talks Underway
A compelling question about whether the new power generated would reach towns like Orangemund, which currently sources electricity from South Africa’s Eskom, was asked.
NamPower confirmed ongoing discussions with Namdeb and the Orangemund Town Council to reintegrate them into the national grid.
“It’s never been our intention to leave any town in Namibia as an energy island,” Haulofu stated. “We’re powering towns in Angola like Onjiva and several cross-border areas, why not Orangemund? He questioned rhetorically.”
Highlighting surplus capacity during seasons with good rainfall and sunlight, Haulofu stressed that power from this new project could be traded regionally and supplied locally, including to Orangemund, once agreements are finalised.
Site Selection Driven by Resources and Proximity and Safeguarding the Environment: A Delicate Balance
Asked why the specific site was chosen for development, the project’s lead explained: “We started here years ago with wind measurements and had already invested in studies.
The area offers strong solar and wind resources, it’s close to the road network, and near the Obib substation, making grid integration efficient.” Access to land and existing infrastructure were critical decision-making factors.
Environmental considerations were also addressed. An enquiry about species protection in the project area was made. The project developers responded by emphasising their adherence to a strict Environmental Management Plan (EMP).
“The road we used today was deliberately designed to minimise impact,” one official remarked. “Even the flora and fauna along the route were factored into planning. We’re proud of the natural beauty here and are committed to preserving it.”
Details of the specific plant and animal species under protection were referred to the EMP, with assurances that biodiversity preservation is a cornerstone of the project’s implementation.
As Namibia moves deeper into the era of renewable energy, balancing sustainability, technical reliability, and regional inclusion remains paramount. From careful land negotiations and environmental protection to smart grid planning and cross-border energy diplomacy, the country is laying a thoughtful foundation for a greener future.
With increased investor interest, ongoing dialogue with communities, and a clear commitment to energy resilience, Namibia’s journey toward a low-carbon, inclusive power sector is gaining momentum, capturing regional attention along the way.
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