Last year, the ministry issued a tender for the construction, operation and owning of solar PV power plants in the country.

 

"Following a competitive bidding process, an independent power producer consortium, Alten Renewable Hardap (comprising Alten Renewable Energy BV and Sashi Investments) has been selected as the successful bidder," he said.

 

The plant will be financed through equity from the shareholders in the project company, as well as debt procured from local and regional lenders.

 

"The target commercial operation date of the plant is 7 December. The base tariff agreed for the project is at 88,8 cents/kWh, the lowest tariff thus far achieved for a solar PV development in Namibia," Kandjoze said.

 

The expansion of renewable energy systems and energy efficiency in the energy mix and the inclusion of Independent Power Producers (IPPs) in the power generation in the country is a priority for the government, he said.

 

In 2013, an invitation to tender for the pre-qualification of IPPs and request for information was published by NamPower on behalf of the government to solicit information from prospective IPPs for the development of the three Solar PV Power Stations to be constructed in the Erongo, Otjozondjupa and Hardap regions.

 

A total of 50 responses were received, with nine meeting the stringent pre-qualification criteria.

 

"PV technology is improving rapidly and internationally the market has been growing exponentially. This trend will likely continue until 2050, resulting in greater cost-reduction and accessibility. Similarly, a number of companies specialising in solar thermal power stations exists today and in the future IPPs will play a far more significant role in Namibia's electricity generation," said Kandjoze.

 

 

Source : allafrica.com