N$360 million Khan solar plant officially inaugurated in Usakos
NAMIBIA has taken another step towards achieving its energy sufficiency goals with the official launch of the 25-megawatt (MW) Khan Solar Photovoltaic (PV) Plant in Usakos, Erongo Region – just one day after unveiling a power plant in Walvis Bay.
President Nangolo Mbumba announced that the project is valued at N$360 million and is the result of a partnership between Alpha Namibia Industries Renewable Energy Power (ANIREP) and Aussenkehr Energy Investment.
“I am also informed that during the construction of this project, about 200 direct temporary jobs were created in Usakos, and expenditures were made which supported various businesses such as retail outlets, guesthouses, fuel stations, catering, and security, among others in the town,” President Mbumba said.
He went on to emphasise that the solar plant is a significant step towards Namibia’s decarbonisation goals. According to him, this aligns with the country’s drive for energy sufficiency, as well as the development of new economic sectors and industries, including green hydrogen and green industrialisation, which focus on local value addition and job creation.
“To achieve energy sufficiency and efficiency, the development of energy storage technologies that can compensate for the intermittent nature of solar energy is essential. However, the provision of solar energy must not come at high costs to consumers but should be affordable. It is, therefore, pertinent that we ensure during the energy transition that no one should be left behind. The 18,500 beneficiaries of the Khan Solar Substation are a testament to this commitment,” the president said.
President Mbumba highlighted that the solar plant is dedicated to honouring Moses Mague //Garoeb, a dedicated freedom fighter who devoted his life to Namibia’s struggle for independence.
“Namibia’s freedom fighters were driven by the desire not only to free Namibians from colonial apartheid bondage but to bring about economic development and transformation that would positively change the livelihoods of many economically disadvantaged Namibians. Thus, this power plant is an enduring symbol of how far we have come in ensuring the realisation of the vision of economic emancipation that comrades such as Moses //Garoeb stood for,” the president added.
Source: https://lnkd.in/er34_p-v
