DanAon Energy (Pty) Ltd., a Namibian-owned solar energy company, is advancing its plans to build a 40 MW grid-connected photovoltaic (PV) solar plant in Gibeon, located in the Hardap Region. The company is currently waiting for approval from the Electricity Control Board of Namibia and the Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) for the project.
According to a report, the proposed establishment and installation of DanAon Energy’s 40MW PV Solar Park on a 40-hectare site at Gibeon in the Hardap Region is set to reduce Namibia’s reliance on traditional energy sources and boost renewable energy output.
“The proposed project will see the installation of approximately 70,000 solar panels, generating 40 MW of clean energy. This energy will be injected directly into the national grid to support Namibia’s goal of increasing the share of renewable energy to 70% by 2030,” the report explained.
DanAon plans to jointly operate two solar plants at Gibeon, converting a 40-hectare undeveloped site into a solar power park.
“The project includes the establishment of essential infrastructure, such as PV modules, administration blocks, storage facilities, and a transmission line connecting the plant to NamPower,” the report elaborated.
The development process involves several phases, including land acquisition, geotechnical assessments, and obtaining the necessary permits.
“Site preparation will include grading and removal. of obstructions and the construction of foundations to ensure the area is ready for the installation of the solar panels and related equipment. This will involve the use of heavy machinery to fully prepare the landscape,” the report noted.
This comes as Namibia’s annual electricity consumption exceeds 3,000 GWh, while the country’s current generation capacity is around 1,305 GWh. The country relies on imports from South Africa, Zambia, and Mozambique to bridge the supply gap.
Namibia has committed to increasing the share of renewable energy to approximately 70% of its electricity by 2030, and the company emphasised that this project aims to support that goal.
