Solarcentury Africa has begun construction on a 20 MW solar plant in Namibia's Otjozondjupa region, funded with support from BB Energy. The project will be the first fully merchant solar power producer in the area, selling its energy directly to the Southern African Power Pool.
A New Model for Energy in Namibia
Solarcentury Africa has started construction on a new 20 MW solar plant in Namibia. The project is located in the Otjozondjupa region, which lies in the northeastern part of the country. This plant is part of a growing effort to boost solar energy production in Namibia and the wider Southern African region.
The $20 million solar project is fully funded by Solarcentury Africa with backing from its parent company, BB Energy. Sino Energy — a Namibian company — is co-developing the project alongside Solarcentury Africa. This solar plant will be the first fully merchant independent power producer in the region. It will sell its power directly to the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP), a network of energy providers in Southern Africa.
According to Jason De Carteret, CEO of Solarcentury Africa, this model offers a "forward-looking alternative to the traditional energy procurement model." It also allows for faster implementation of renewable energy projects, which is crucial as the demand for clean energy continues to rise.
Solarcentury’s 20 MW plant will generate around 51 GWh of electricity annually. All of this energy will be sold on the Southern African Power Pool, contributing to the region's growing need for clean and affordable energy. This project could serve as a model for future renewable energy developments in Africa.
Key Milestones and Partnerships
The solar project has already secured important approvals and licenses. It has received a generation license from Namibia’s Electricity Control Board, and it has connection agreements with NamPower — the national utility. Additionally, Namibia’s Ministry of Environment has granted an Environmental Clearance Certificate, ensuring that the project meets environmental standards.
Solar Project Achieves Environmental Compliance
Namibian contractor Alensy Energy Solutions Pty Ltd. has been selected to construct the solar plant. The project is on track, with commissioning expected in the third quarter of 2025. Once complete, the plant will play a significant role in boosting Namibia’s solar energy capacity.
Solarcentury Africa is not new to the region. Earlier this year, the company announced plans to build a 60 MW merchant solar plant in southern Namibia. The company also has other merchant solar projects in development in Zambia and Botswana. These projects are all part of the solar firm's broader strategy to expand its presence in the African renewable energy market.
The Future of Solarcentury Africa in Namibia
Namibia has been steadily increasing its https://www.pvknowhow.com/solar-energy-efficiency-and-output/ capacity in recent years. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), the country’s total installed solar capacity reached 176 MW by the end of 2023. With the addition of the 20 MW plant, Namibia’s renewable energy capacity will continue to grow, helping to meet the country’s energy needs and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
The Southern African Power Pool — which Solarcentury Africa will supply — is a key part of the regional energy network. The pool allows countries in Southern Africa to share electricity and balance supply and demand across borders. This not only improves energy security but also creates opportunities for renewable energy projects like this solar plant.
Solarcentury Africa is emerging as a leader in the African renewable energy sector, using an innovative merchant model to develop and sell solar energy. With projects in Namibia, Zambia, and Botswana — including a 20 MW solar plant in Otjozondjupa — the company is expanding access to clean and affordable energy across the region.
Solarcentury Africa’s 20 MW solar plant in Namibia marks a significant step forward for the country’s renewable energy sector. The project’s fully merchant model and focus on trading power on the Southern African Power Pool highlight the innovative approaches that are shaping the future of energy in Southern Africa.