NamPower's new Walvis Bay plant will light up Namibia by 2023

Global warming and renewable energy resources have long been a hot topic in environmental debates. With natural disasters and irregular weather patterns becoming the norm, developing countries are forced to look at alternate sources of power. Growing populations lead to increased demand in all sectors and one area countries cannot compromise on is their energy supply. 

Namibia derives most of its energy from coal-powered plants. However, the country does not have the capacity to supply enough energy solely through its own stations. Large quantities of electricity are supplied by neighbouring countries such as South Africa, which sells their surplus energy to Namibia at an affordable price. 

A renewable source of hope 

Along the Atlantic coastline lies the Namibian town of Walvis Bay. It is the second-largest city in the country and a popular tourist destination, well known for whale watching and an abundance of marine life. Walvis Bay is an integral part of Namibia's economy and many investments have been made to ensure the longevity of its attraction. One of the main initiatives is the new power plant to be built by NamPower. With an estimated cost of N$1,2 billion, it is hoped that the operation will result in Namibia becoming more energy self-sufficient. It is expected to provide electricity to regions when there is a shortage of imported power. This will minimise the number of power cuts experienced across the country long term. 

The plant will be named Anixas II and will be housed on the premises of the current Anixas emergency power plant at Walvis Bay. It will be replacing the previously disconnected diesel-run power plant  - Paratus. Expensive to run, Anixas II will use liquid fuel, liquefied natural gas or compressed natural gas to generate electricity. This is substantiated by the sheer demand on Nambia's current electricity supply and NamPower plans to invest N$3,5 billion in renewable energy projects. 

Lighting the future 

The Anixas II plant is expected to be operational by 2023 and will improve the general load capacity on supporting plants. This will bode well for plans looking to include increased renewable energy initiatives. NamPower's goal is to generate 70% of the country's electricity from renewable sources by the onset of 2030 in order to lessen Namibia's current high figures of imported power. 

The Ruacana hydroelectric power station generates the country's main supply of electricity and has steadily kept up with the demand for years. The Anixas II will alleviate the massive hydropower demands placed on Ruacana as well as assist with independent power producers. 

The Namibian energy sector

Solar and wind energy are popularly used in farming. Namibia has one of the world's best weather conditions for solar energy. The potential to supplement the existing energy supply with solar water heaters, solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and concentrated solar power (CSP) plants is immense. These applications could be used for water pumping, electrification of rural areas, and powering of smaller appliances like radios, portable TVs and fans. With the continued development of these resources and the necessary technological skills, the national targets for sustainable energy could one day be met. Proper business models for exploring alternative energy sources need to be implemented across smaller towns and farming areas while national generation investments take shape. 

The Anixas II promises to be a symbol of a new Namibia. Walvis Bay can continue operating as a popular port trading destination as designed, with a reliable and effective energy source at the centre. The coastal city is a great place to live and retire with many affordable properties on offer. Contact us at RealNet Rainmaker Namibia today to select your dream home.