Namibia will construct its largest gas power plant since independence, Xaris Holdings, a company managing the project has announced. The plant is estimated to cost US$450 million.
To be located in Walvis Bay, the country’s largest gas power plant since independence is set to generate about 250 megawatts, 50% of what the country currently generates internally.
The plant is expected to generate employment in the area and help alleviate poverty.
Namibia plans to generate about 1 500 megawatts internally to meet domestic consumption, meaning Xaris Holdings and other independent power producers (IPPs) stand a chance to meet the 700 megawatts deficit.
Namibia currently imports about 70% of its power from South Africa which has seen endless load shedding and Zimbabwe that has for over a decade struggled to provide basic lighting for its citizenry.
The two countries, though facing load shedding internally, are bound by supply agreements.
Namibia is under pressure to generate its own power as its binding contracts with South Africa and Zimbabwe comes to an end within the next two to three years.
