In an exciting development for Namibia’s energy future, the groundbreaking ceremony for the Oshikoto Biomass Power Station Project took place recently near Tsumeb, marking a significant step toward bolstering the country’s energy security. With a budget of N.3 billion (approximately USD 126 million), this ambitious project is set to generate a substantial 40 megawatts of baseload electricity, laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and resilient energy landscape in Namibia.
Namibia has been actively pursuing avenues to expand its renewable energy portfolio, and the Oshikoto project is a shining example of how innovation can tap into the country’s natural resources. During the ceremony, Mines and Energy Minister Tom Alweendo emphasized the importance of bush harvesting, which not only boosts renewable energy on the national grid but also benefits the agricultural sector. “Besides wind and solar, biomass will also be renewable because the bush being used will be harvested repeatedly,” he expressed. Alweendo further noted that the project’s impact transcends electricity generation; it will significantly enhance farm productivity by increasing their carrying capacity through debushing efforts.
NamPower’s Managing Director, Kahenge Haulofu, echoed this vision of a greener future, stating that the project represents a decade-long commitment to reducing reliance on electricity imports. “This initiative will help us generate electricity for our country’s economy, allowing us to support local products and industries,” he explained, highlighting the project’s dual focus on energy generation and economic resilience.
The long-term biomass supply for the Oshikoto project will be managed through a collaborative joint venture that includes companies such as Nexus, Africa Biomass, the Forestry Group of Companies, Santos Investment, and PHP Interactive CC. This teamwork aims to ensure that the biomass supply is sustainable and efficient.
Toivo Nuuglu, Managing Director of SANTOS Investment, elaborated on how local farmers can benefit from this initiative. “We will debush the farms for free in exchange for the biomass removed. This partnership not only alleviates the financial burden on farmers regarding rebushing—often a costly endeavor—but also removes invasive bush that can hinder agricultural productivity.” He encouraged farmers in the Tsumeb area to contact NamPower to participate in this initiative, which promises to foster local engagement and economic growth.
With DongFang Electric International Corporation, a globally recognized leader in energy infrastructure, onboard as the contractor for the project, the Oshikoto Biomass Power Station is poised to become a benchmark for biomass energy facilities across Africa. Overall, this initiative represents a forward-thinking approach to energy and agriculture, propelling Namibia into a sustainable and prosperous future.
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