Ground breaking has taken place on the construction of Ohorongo Cement’s 5 MW Solar PV plant, at its Sargberg plant near Otavi.
SunEQ Four Investment, an independent power producer and solar asset development platform, will collaborate with its Namibian partner Hungileni CC, who will develop, construct and own the Solar PV plant, will provide green and clean electricity to the cement plant.
The plant represents close to a N$100 million investment and is expected to be in operation by the end of 2017. It will be located in close vicinity to the cement plant.
The energy source will assist Ohorongo Cement in significantly reducing its electricity expenses and running costs. The development is also expected to create many temporary jobs during the construction phase, as well as permanent jobs when it is operational.
“Electricity is of paramount importance to our operations and constitutes 25% of our production requirements. We are aware of the country’s precarious energy situation and took the decision to tap into renewable energy. With this, Ohorongo will further contribute towards Namibia’s efforts to reduce electricity imports, and to reduce CO2 emissions generated from using fossil fuels,” said Hans-Wilhelm Schutte, Ohorongo Cement’s MD.
Ohorongo has signed a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement with SunEQ Four Investment. This will make Ohorongo Cement one of the first industries in Namibia to utilise solar generated power for industrial usage within its operation.
Construction of the plant will begin once SunEQ Four Investment has obtained the generation license from the Electricity Control Board.
