Namibia: grid modernization to integrate renewable energies

The World Bank grants a $138.5 million loan to modernize Namibia's power grid with a view to integrating renewable energies.

Share:

Namibie Modernisation Réseau Électricité Énergies Renouvelables

Gain full professional access to energynews.pro from 4.90$/month.
Designed for decision-makers, with no long-term commitment.

Over 30,000 articles published since 2021.
150 new market analyses every week to decode global energy trends.

Monthly Digital PRO PASS

Immediate Access
4.90$/month*

No commitment – cancel anytime, activation in 2 minutes.

*Special launch offer: 1st month at the indicated price, then 14.90 $/month, no long-term commitment.

Annual Digital PRO Pass

Full Annual Access
99$/year*

To access all of energynews.pro without any limits

*Introductory annual price for year one, automatically renewed at 149.00 $/year from the second year.

The Namibia Power Corporation (NamPower), a state-owned electricity company, is receiving $138.5 million in funding from the World Bank. The aim is to prepare the power grid for the massive integration of renewable energies. The funding comes from the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) Fund for Innovative Solutions in Global Public Goods and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). The main aim of this project is to extend Namibia’s electricity transmission and storage network. The country is also focusing on parallel projects in the solar and oil sectors.

Electricity transmission and storage project

NamPower plans to build a 458 km 400 kV transmission line. The aim is to connect the Kokerboom substation (near Keetmanshoop) to the Auas substation near the capital Windhoek. This high-voltage line will run parallel to an existing line to the south. It will require an investment of $115 million. The new line will also improve the stability of NamPower’s power grid. In addition to its integration of renewable energies.

Innovation in electricity storage

At the same time, NamPower, under the leadership of Kahenge Simson Haulofu, will design, supply, install and commission a 100 MWh/25 MW battery storage system. This storage infrastructure will help manage the variability of renewable energies and control the fluctuating imports of Eskom, the South African electricity company. NamPower also plans to develop and integrate a second large-scale electricity storage system into its transmission network. The aim is to support the development and adoption of renewable energy plants.

Impact and outlook

According to Kahenge Simson Haulofu, these investments will position Namibia on the path to sustainable development. In particular, by exploiting its renewable energy resources. Namibia has immense solar potential, according to the World Economic Forum. This is due to the 10 hours of sunshine a day for 300 days a year. At present, the country’s renewable capacity is estimated at 690 MW, or around 30% of total production.
The World Bank’s investment in Namibia’s power grid is a decisive step towards the optimal use of renewable energies. This project not only improves existing infrastructure but also supports the country’s commitment to green, sustainable growth.

The US Senate has confirmed two new commissioners to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, creating a Republican majority that could reshape the regulatory approach to national energy infrastructure.
The federal government launches a CAD3mn call for proposals to fund Indigenous participation in energy and infrastructure projects related to critical minerals.
Opportunities are emerging for African countries to move from extraction to industrial manufacturing in energy technology value chains, as the 2025 G20 discussions highlight these issues.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), global renewable power capacity could more than double by 2030, driven by the rise of solar photovoltaics despite supply chain pressures and evolving policy frameworks.
Algeria plans to allocate $60 billion to energy projects by 2029, primarily targeting upstream oil and gas, while developing petrochemicals, renewables and unconventional resources.
China set a record for clean technology exports in August, driven by surging sales of electric vehicles and batteries, with more than half of the growth coming from non-OECD markets.
A night-time attack on Belgorod’s power grid left thousands without electricity, according to Russian local authorities, despite partial service restoration the following morning.
The French Academy of Sciences calls for a global ban on solar radiation modification, citing major risks to climate stability and the world economy.
The halt of US federal services disrupts the entire decision-making chain for energy and mining projects, with growing risks of administrative delays and missing critical data.
Facing a potential federal government shutdown, multiple US energy agencies are preparing to suspend services and furlough thousands of employees.
A report reveals the economic impact of renewable energy losses in Chile, indicating that a 1% drop in curtailments could generate $15mn in annual savings.
Faced with growing threats to its infrastructure, Denmark raises its energy alert level in response to a series of unidentified drone flyovers and ongoing geopolitical tensions.
The Prime Minister dismissed rumours of a moratorium on renewables, as the upcoming energy roadmap triggers tensions within the sector.
Kuwait plans to develop 14.05 GW of new power capacity by 2031 to meet growing demand and reduce scheduled outages, driven by extreme temperatures and maintenance delays.
The partnership with the World Bank-funded Pro Energia+ programme aims to expand electricity access in Mozambique by targeting rural communities through a results-based financing mechanism.
The European Commission strengthens ACER’s funding through a new fee structure applied to reporting entities, aimed at supporting increased surveillance of wholesale energy market transactions.
France’s Court of Auditors is urging clarity on EDF’s financing structure, as the public utility confronts a €460bn investment programme through 2040 to support its new nuclear reactor rollout.
The U.S. Department of Energy will return more than $13bn in unspent funds originally allocated to climate initiatives, in line with the Trump administration’s new budget policy.
Under pressure from Washington, the International Energy Agency reintroduces a pro-fossil scenario in its report, marking a shift in its direction amid rising tensions with the Trump administration.
Southeast Asia, facing rapid electricity consumption growth, could tap up to 20 terawatts of solar and wind potential to strengthen energy security.