Solar plant will save money

Arandis Solar Energy, a joint venture between Ohlthaver &List Energy, a subsidiary of the O&L Group, its strategic partner Cronimet Mining Power Solutions GmbH and the Women of Destiny Trust officially launched the construction of a 3 megawatt (MW) solar energy power plant at the mining town that will supply electricity to Erongo RED.

The plant is expected to be completed by, and in operation as from June 2017. The ground breaking ceremony was officiated by the Governor of the Erongo Region, Cleophas Mutjavikua who said, “Today’s activity is evident of the possibilities with great partnerships. Hence, initiatives such as the one we are launching today, is highly valued, welcomed and appreciated - also in light of our journey towards being less dependent on imports, and producing everything we need, right here on Namibian soil,” Mtjavikua said. O&L Group Executive Chairman, Sven Thieme, highlighted the projects so far embarked on by O&L in its quest to adopt and adjust to renewable energy, which include O&L Energy’s subsidiary, Organic Energy Solutions harvesting invader bush to produce wood chips which in turn create heat energy for clients such as NBL and Ohorongo Cement.

“Our aim is to contribute to improving Namibia’s energy situation and to increase the supply of renewable energy generated locally, decreasing our dependency on electricity imports from neighbouring countries. We are thrilled to have found in CRONIMET Mining Power Solutions, a Namibian partner that shares our vision and enables us to reach our goals by contributing their experience, technical expertise in PV, and their commercial competency when managing the development process,” Thieme said.

Tobias Nambala, ErongoRed Chairperson of the Board of Directors presented a project brief on the plant and shed light on what exactly it will mean to ErongoRed and the region. He said the plant is expected to save Erongo RED an estimated cost of N$127 million over the life span of the plant which is 25 years. 

“At Erongo RED we are committed to diversify our energy mix in order to ensure that the electricity consumers reap benefits emanating from renewable energy. We are well aware that electricity supply is vital in stimulating and accelerating development,” Nambala said.