Outapi gets solar energy plant

OUTAPI, 28 AUG – Vice-President Nangolo Mbumba said the electricity supply sector is the catalyst and backbone of all social economic activities in the country’s development agenda.
Mbumba said this whilst officially inaugurating a five megawatt (5MW) Solar Photovoltaic Plant at Outapi in the Omusati Region on Tuesday.
He noted that the importance of the electricity sector in a thriving economy cannot be overstated as it is a common cause that uninterrupted power supply will form part of the backbone of the industrialisation efforts.
He pointed out that Omusati region is currently utilising about 10MW for both households and businesses of which 5MW will now be generated locally at the newly commissioned plant.
Mbumba indicated that the advantages of having electricity produced locally and within the region will see a positive socio-economic spin-off effects which will enable for greater economic opportunities.
Speaking at the same event, Managing Director of Camelthorn Business Venture, Ferdinand Nghiyolwa said the solar plant can supply approximately three-thousand households consuming on average 300 kilowatts per month.
According to him the plant was connected and energised in June this year, while its commercial operation kicked off in July.
“Thus far 566 920 of clean energy has been generated from this local plant and consumed by local customers,” he pointed out.
Omusati Governor, Erginus Endjala, whilst addressing the same inauguration gathering, said his region currently produces 350MW through the Ruacana Hydro-Electric Plant.
“Today, we are adding another 5MW to the national grid,” he stated, stressing that his region strives to have 400 to 450MW of electricity by 2022.
Mines and Energy Minister Tom Alweendo also attended the inauguration event and told those present that power energy is an important catalyst for development and none of the national development plans will be realised without it.
He went on to say that some years back, electricity was regarded as a luxury exclusively for urban areas, but today both poor and rich expect power generation for their localities.
Camelthorn Business Venture has invested a total of N$118 million in the establishment of the Outapi Solar Plant.
The construction of the plant commenced in September 2016 and during its construction created 40 jobs, of which six were permanent. – NAMPA