Chamwe Kaira
NamPower will this week receive its first shipment of batteries and Power Conversion Systems containers for the 51 MW/51 MWh Omburu Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project at the Walvis Bay harbour.
The project, located at the Omburu Substation near Omaruru, aims to help NamPower manage electricity demand and supply more efficiently through energy storage and the reduction of costly emergency energy use.
The KfW Development Bank is providing EUR 20 million (approximately N$390 million) in grant funding for the project, while NamPower will contribute about N$100 million.
“It will also provide various grid stability services, enabling the grid to integrate additional intermittent renewable energy generation capacities, whilst ensuring security of supply,” NamPower said.
The project is currently in its design and construction phase, with commercial operation expected in the second quarter of 2026.
By 2030, Namibia plans to increase its renewable energy share in electricity generation from around 30% to 70%.
As renewable energy grows, the need for stability in power supply also increases. NamPower said battery storage systems are vital for addressing these challenges and supporting the sustainable development of the electricity sector.
The Omburu BESS is the first project of its kind in Namibia and is expected to serve as a pioneer for similar initiatives in the future.
Currently, Namibia imports up to 70% of its electricity from neighbouring countries, with coal being the primary source.
To reduce dependence on imports and cut emissions from fossil fuels, the government has launched several renewable energy initiatives.
NamPower plans to expand its renewable generation capacity by about 100 MW and tender another 70 MW of wind and solar projects to independent power producers between 2020 and 2025.
The partial liberalisation of the electricity market has already drawn private investment in solar and wind energy, taking advantage of Namibia’s strong renewable resources.
This market shift is expected to add an estimated 300 MW of solar and 200 MW of wind capacity to the national grid.
NamPower said the Omburu BESS will allow surplus renewable power and cheaper electricity imports from the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP) to be stored for later use. The system will also help stabilise the grid by absorbing short- and medium-term fluctuations in renewable generation.
The project is further expected to enhance Namibia’s participation in regional electricity trade among the 12 SAPP member states.
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Picture used for illustrative purposes
