Justicia Shipena
The Puros Solar Mini-Grid project has reached a total investment of N$14 million.
This follows a recent N$8 million contribution from the ministry of industry, mines and energy.
The latest funding forms part of a service-level agreement between the Ministry and the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) of Namibia.
EIF spokesperson Romeo Muyunda said the new investment marks a major step in expanding access to sustainable and affordable energy in the Kunene Region.
Launched in 2024, the Puros project is a joint effort between the EIF and the Northern Regional Electricity Distributor (NORED).
It is co-financed by the Ministry of Mines and Energy and the European Union through the Towards an Inclusive Design of the Renewable Energy Transition (TIDRET) project.
Construction of the solar grid began in January 2025 with an initial N$6 million grant from the European Union.
Since then, critical infrastructure has been set up, including solar streetlights and a medium- to low-voltage network.
The project includes a 300 kW solar mini-grid and a distribution network that will supply electricity to 200 households, benefiting around 500 people.
It is also expected to power small businesses such as campsites, lodges, and shops in the area.
Once completed, NORED will take over the solar plant and apply a social tariff model to support ongoing maintenance and operations.
The TIDRET project is funded by the European Union’s Global Climate Change Alliance Plus (EU GCCA+) and the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development.
It is implemented by GIZ through the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism’s Climate Change and Inclusive Use of Natural Resources (CCIU-EU) project.
Operating across the Otjozondjupa, Kunene, and Erongo regions, TIDRET supports solar installations, maintenance, capacity building, and technical training for small and medium enterprises.
The Puros project, under this initiative, aims to improve energy access and support economic activity in underserved communities.
