US embassy turns to the sun
US government holds solar panel installation and sustainable design ceremony to reinforce partnership with Namibia.
US Ambassador to Namibia, Randy Berry, hosted a solar panel installation and sustainable design ceremony at the new US embassy to highlight the strides his government is making to support Namibia’s sustainability goals by using renewable energy.City of Windhoek Mayor Joseph Uapingene, government officials, members from NamPower and other civil society interlocutors attended the event held at the new embassy compound.
“Namibia is blessed with some of the world’s best solar power potential, and we are proud that the new embassy compound will feature a 403 kWP solar array that will power 50% of the Chancery’s needs,” Berry said. “This is equivalent to offsetting carbon emissions from 87 passenger cars per year, and it represents a significant step towards decreasing foreign energy dependence.”
Over 900 solar panels worth about N$7.5 million were installed to support the energy needs of the new embassy compound.
In addition to making the new embassy compound energy efficient, the US government in conjunction with contractor B.L. Harbert International have implemented other environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility initiatives, such as planting over 4 000 native plants which require zero irrigation. B.L. Harbert International also held a lunch donation project, providing over 350 000 meals to school age children.
The US government has invested approximately N$310 million into the Namibian economy with the construction of this new compound. More than 2 000 Namibians are employed in the construction project, of which 130 are women.
As highlighted by Ambassador Berry, “The United States is committed to working hand-in-hand with Namibia to build a brighter future for all of us”.