Karibib solar plant launched

25-year PPP arrangement with MetDecci signed.

South African independent power producer MetDecci recently commissioned its 5 megawatt power plant in Karibib. The plant forms part of NamPower’s REFIT programme, which envisages the development of 14 renewable energy plants which combined will add 70MW to the national energy grid.

Deputy mines and energy minister, Kornelia Shilunga, welcomed the investment and called on the private sector to actively participate.

“We need the private sector, and we explicitly welcome the active participation of private sector actors, such as MetDecci,” said Shilunga.

WELCOME INVESTMENT: MetDecci’s 5MW photovoltaic solar plant.
he also said the private sector had a role to play in ensuring security of power supply. “The private sector has a definite part to play in the country’s energy sector, not only for the sake of investments, or job creation, but to develop expertise, drive innovation, and to contribute to our many national development efforts.”

Also speaking at the launch was Erongo regional governor Cleophas Mutjavikua who said that private renewable energy investors are welcome in the region.

He said there is land available for those with the money to set up solar power plants in Usakos, Uis and Arandis.

“I guarantee investors that negotiations on these lands will not take time at all, and you will get it that instant,” he said.

The N$120 million injection by MetDecci Energy Investment from South Africa and partners in Namibia is the second independent power producer in the region, next to the 4.5 MW Omburu power plant in Omaruru.

MetDecci signed a 25-year contract with the Karibib Town Council, whereby they will share part of their profit with the local authority when they sell electricity to NamPower.

“The profit sharing is additional to the land rentals we are paying. This is because we want to contribute and increase the revenue generation of the town council,” said MetDecci Namibia director, Barnabas Uugwanga.

Karibib mayor Petrus Naboth said the money generated from this project will be used for infrastructure development in the town.

The REFIT programme was launched to as a safeguard measure to feed 70 MW into the energy grid. Almost two-years into its implementation, three 5 MW plants have been constructed thus far while a wind power farm of the same capacity is currently under construction in the southern harbour town of Lüderitz.

Photos: Staff Reporter of www.namibiansun.com | Additional reporting by Nampa.

External link: namibiansun.com