Chinese firms to help build Namibia’s largest solar energy plant

Namibia’s state-owned utility, NamPower, announced on Monday that it has inked a deal with two Chinese companies to begin construction of the country’s largest solar power plant, Reuters reported.

Currently dependent on imports from Zambia and South Africa, Namibia’s energy grid will get a boost with the addition of 100 megawatts to its existing 500 MW capacity.

Namibia has one of the highest levels of solar radiation, off-grid solar systems are an obvious way to provide clean, reliable and affordable electricity. However, getting access to finance is one of the main hurdles for the rural population when it comes to implementing such off-grid solutions.

Estimates are that fewer than 10 per cent of rural households have access to electricity (either from the electrical grid) or through local power generation; in addition, up to 60 per cent of Namibians are off the grid.

Namibia enjoys some of the highest levels of solar radiation, making off-grid solar systems an ideal solution for delivering clean, reliable, and affordable electricity. However, access to finance remains a significant challenge for rural communities looking to implement these solar solutions.

Approximately 80% of the 1.4 billion Namibian dollars ($78.33 million) solar power project will be financed by the German development bank KfW, with NamPower covering the remaining costs from its own funds.

According to NamPower’s managing director, Kahenge Haulofu, the new plant will help stabilize future electricity tariffs, spur economic growth, and enhance environmental sustainability.

The construction, to be handled by China Jiangxi International Economic and Technical Cooperation Co. Ltd and Chint New Energy Development (Zhejiang) Co. Ltd, is expected to take 18 months, with commercial operations slated to commence in the second quarter of 2026.