By: Nghiinomenwa-vali Erastus
NamPower officially initiated the construction of its largest Solar PV Power Station to date yesterday, the100 MW Sores |Gaib Power Station – situated 33 km northwest of Rosh Pinah.
The power utility revealed in a statement that Sores |Gaib, which in Khoekhoegowab means “Power of the Sun”, will be NamPower’s largest Solar PV Power Station to date.
Upon completion, the power station is expected to contribute to the national energy mix, displacing a significant amount of imported energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
For the past 3 months of 2025, around 40% of Namibia’s electricity needs were imported, and the situation will worsen, due to the rainy season ending.
Additionally, Sores |Gaib Solar Power will play a pivotal role in enhancing energy independence and doubling the country’s effort to reduce its carbon footprint from its grid.
It will support the renewable energy commitments prescribed in the Renewable Energy Policy and National Energy Policy, which targets 70% by 2030 and the country’s ambitious COP26 commitments to reduce Namibia’s emissions by 91% by 2026.
NamPowers total investment in this project stands at N$1.6 billion funded through a combination of a loan from KfW (about N$1,3 billion) and the remainder from NamPower’s reserves.
During the construction phase of the solar power plant, over 300 direct jobs are expected to be created according to the power utility’s report.
The Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) contractor, a joint venture between China Jiangxi International Corporation and Chint New Energy Development includes local sub-contractors, which aren’t mentioned yet.
In addition, Nampower has also revealed that the EPC contractor has committed to allocate 25% of the contract price, equivalent to N$356 million, towards local content.
NamPower Managing Director, Kahenge Haulofu, emphasided that the 100 MW Sores |Gaib Power Station Project represents progress and a long-term commitment to the sustainable development of the country.
“Our country has abundant sun and we as a nation are ready to seize the opportunities that renewable energy offers. The 100 MW Sores |Gaib Power Station is a critical step in fulfilling that potential,” he stated in his speech at the groundbreaking event.
He urged all team members of the project, specifically the contractor, and NamPower project team to stand the test of time, deliver value for decades to come, and reflect the highest standards of technical and environmental performance.
“It is about transforming how we power our lives, how we manage our natural resources, how we create jobs, and how we shape the future for the next generation,” Haulofu added.
The commercial operation date of the power station is set for June 2026. erastus@thevillager.com.na
