Sores |Gaib groundbreaking imminent
NamPower has announced the groundbreaking of its largest-ever solar PV power plant, the 100 megawatt (MW) Sores |Gaib Power Station, located 33 km northwest of Rosh Pinah. The event is scheduled for 19 June 2025.
According to the national electricity utility, the power station aims to deliver affordable, new-build clean and renewable energy to the Namibian grid, while supporting global renewable energy commitments and contributing to the sustainable energy goals outlined in the country’s national development plans.
China Jiangxi International Economic and Technical Cooperation and Chint New Energy Development (Zhejiang) Joint Venture have been contracted to develop the power station.
NamPower describes the occasion as the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the utility and the country.
Earlier this year, NamPower managing director Simson Haulofu stated that the entire project is expected to cost N$1.6 billion. The development is being funded through a concessional loan from the German government via the KfW Development Bank (80%), while NamPower will cover the remaining 20% from its balance sheet.
“As we embark on this journey towards harnessing the power of the sun, we are not just expanding our infrastructure by building this plant, but laying a foundation for an environmentally conscious future,” he said at the time.
UK-based management, engineering, and development consultancy Mott MacDonald has been appointed as the owner’s engineer.
18-month completion planned
Upon signing the deal in April, Deng Yan, managing director of China Jiangxi International Namibia, noted that his company has been active in Namibia for over 20 years, having completed 61 projects. Zhejiang Chint New Energy Development is recognised for its extensive international experience and product quality. The companies have committed to completing the project within 18 months, with the plant expected to be operational in the second quarter of 2026.
At the signing, NamPower senior manager for generation projects Ben Mingeli stated that at peak installation, comprising some 300 000 individual solar panels covering around 300 hectares, approximately 800 employees will be on-site. Jobs during construction, particularly for unskilled and semi-skilled roles, will predominantly be filled by Namibians.
Fenfen Ouyang of Zhejiang Chint New Energy Development said skills transfer would be prioritised during construction, with 95% of employees being Namibians and local materials receiving procurement preference.
At the time, Haulofu also said that at least 25% of the contract expenditure would be spent on local content, meaning that N$350 million would be paid to Namibian suppliers and service providers.
According to the national electricity utility, the power station aims to deliver affordable, new-build clean and renewable energy to the Namibian grid, while supporting global renewable energy commitments and contributing to the sustainable energy goals outlined in the country’s national development plans.
China Jiangxi International Economic and Technical Cooperation and Chint New Energy Development (Zhejiang) Joint Venture have been contracted to develop the power station.
NamPower describes the occasion as the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the utility and the country.
Earlier this year, NamPower managing director Simson Haulofu stated that the entire project is expected to cost N$1.6 billion. The development is being funded through a concessional loan from the German government via the KfW Development Bank (80%), while NamPower will cover the remaining 20% from its balance sheet.
“As we embark on this journey towards harnessing the power of the sun, we are not just expanding our infrastructure by building this plant, but laying a foundation for an environmentally conscious future,” he said at the time.
UK-based management, engineering, and development consultancy Mott MacDonald has been appointed as the owner’s engineer.
18-month completion planned
Upon signing the deal in April, Deng Yan, managing director of China Jiangxi International Namibia, noted that his company has been active in Namibia for over 20 years, having completed 61 projects. Zhejiang Chint New Energy Development is recognised for its extensive international experience and product quality. The companies have committed to completing the project within 18 months, with the plant expected to be operational in the second quarter of 2026.
At the signing, NamPower senior manager for generation projects Ben Mingeli stated that at peak installation, comprising some 300 000 individual solar panels covering around 300 hectares, approximately 800 employees will be on-site. Jobs during construction, particularly for unskilled and semi-skilled roles, will predominantly be filled by Namibians.
Fenfen Ouyang of Zhejiang Chint New Energy Development said skills transfer would be prioritised during construction, with 95% of employees being Namibians and local materials receiving procurement preference.
At the time, Haulofu also said that at least 25% of the contract expenditure would be spent on local content, meaning that N$350 million would be paid to Namibian suppliers and service providers.
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