NamPower biomass plant to aid Namibia’s energy independence
Baseload power project underway
NamPower is progressing with a N$2.3 billion biomass plant.
NamPower is progressing with the construction of a N$2.3 billion power plant that the company says will help address Namibia’s power needs.This follows the awarding of a contract to Chinese construction company, Dong Feng.
“This project will be one of the answers to the long-awaited realisation for a baseload power station in Namibia. The power station will enable NamPower to cost-effectively provide baseload electricity and will contribute to the expansion of power generation for the country,” NamPower MD Kahenge Haulofu said.
NamPower’s choice to pursue a biomass power solution is geared towards ensuring the utility has a base-load power solution.
“As we all know, energy from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar is not available around the clock compared to baseload supply; thus, this will reduce Namibia’s reliance on imported electricity. The Otjikoto Biomass Power Station (OBPS) project will be a game changer and a transformative leap in NamPower’s plans for the expansion of generation capacity, aimed at ensuring energy security for Namibia,” Haulofu said.
Quality of power
Once commissioned, the station will be used to facilitate, support and preserve power quality in the electricity grid by providing ancillary services such as synchronising torque, grid inertia and reactive power control. “This will strengthen the grid to allow further integration of intermittent renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind,” he said.
Haulofu said the biomass project would aid Namibia on the path to energy independence.
“It is important to highlight that the power station will significantly contribute to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by displacing high-emission electricity imports and by enabling the integration of renewable energy sources, thereby reducing the utilisation of peaking plants and imports during peak times,” Haulofu said.
“In addition, the project will make a lasting impact on the local farming and agricultural communities as Namibia is challenged by massive bush encroachment that affects over 26 million hectares of farmland, leading to billions of economic losses,” he added.
New capacity
Haulofu said the 40 MW OBPS and several other generation and transmission capital projects, currently at different stages of implementation, culminated out of NamPower’s Integrated Strategic Business Plan (ISBP), in which the company has identified its strategic focus, application and prioritisation of resources over the next five years (2020-2025). According to Haulofu, the ISBP is in line with the mines and energy ministry's focus on new generation capacities.
“The project ... is of great national importance as it will contribute towards helping the government accomplish its goals as outlined in the national planning policies, including the National Development Plan (NDP5) and the National Integrated Resource Plan (NIRP), by ensuring security of supply, cost-efficiency and self-sufficiency. In addition, it will also aid in addressing and supporting the renewable energy commitments prescribed in the Renewable Energy Policy and National Energy Policy,” he said.