NamPower, Namibia's national power utility, has invested over N$21.8 billion in infrastructure development over the past three decades. This significant investment aims to expand generation and transmission capacity, ultimately strengthening the country's electricity supply. The company's efforts focus on enhancing its power infrastructure to meet growing demand and ensure a stable energy supply.
According to NamPower Managing Director Kahenge Haulofu, the utility has maintained a stable financial position despite macroeconomic challenges. This financial stability has enabled NamPower to undertake various projects, ranging from small-scale developments to major power infrastructure initiatives. The company's financial discipline has strengthened its financial base and credibility with financial institutions and development funders.
NamPower's financial performance has shown significant growth over the years. Since 1999, the company's profit after tax has increased from N$193 million to N$1.4 billion. Its asset base has grown from N$3.8 billion to N$58 billion by 2025. Additionally, cash flow generated from operations has risen from N$308 million in 1999 to N$1.9 billion in 2025. These figures demonstrate the company's robust financial health.
The company's existing generation fleet comprises several power stations, including the 347 MW Ruacana hydroelectric power station, the 120 MW Van Eck coal-fired power station, the 76.5 MW Anixas power station, and the 20 MW Omburu solar PV plant. NamPower has completed several generation projects in recent years, such as the 54 MW Anixas II project and the 20 MW Khan Solar PV independent power producer project.
NamPower has several projects in the pipeline, both in the short and medium terms. In the short term, the company plans to complete a 100 MW Rosh Pinah Solar PV project in the first quarter of 2027 and a 51 MW Omburu battery energy storage system in the third quarter of 2026. Medium-term projects include the 50 MW Cerim Wind project, a 44 MW Diaz Wind project, and an 80 MW Omburu PV expansion.
The company's longer-term strategic projects are equally ambitious. These include the 440 MW Baynes Hydro Power Plant, expected to be completed by 2032/33, a 475 MW gas-to-power project, and a 300 MW Mega Wind project. NamPower has identified gas-to-power, hydropower, and nuclear energy as essential options for developing mid-merit and baseload generation capacity.
On the transmission side, NamPower is undertaking several projects to enhance the country's power grid. These projects include the 400kV Obib-Oranjemond interconnector with South Africa, the 400kV Auas-Kokerboom line, and new substations in Erongo and Khomas. The company aims to achieve 80% self-sufficiency in electricity supply and 70% renewable energy by 2030.
Key points
- NamPower has invested N$21.8 billion in infrastructure over the past 30 years.
- The company aims to achieve 80% self-sufficiency in electricity supply and 70% renewable energy by 2030.
- NamPower's longer-term strategic projects include the 440 MW Baynes Hydro Power Plant and a 475 MW gas-to-power project.
