CHAMWE KAIRA
NamPower has outlined a pipeline of multi-billion-dollar electricity transmission projects aimed at strengthening Namibia’s power grid and supporting future economic growth under its Transmission Master Plan.
Speaking at the inauguration of the N$394 million SekelduinSubstation in Swakopmund on Monday, NamPower Managing Director Kahenge Haulofu said the utility is implementing several major transmission projects across the country to improve network reliability, increase capacity and prepare the grid for new power generation projects.
Haulofu said the Transmission Master Plan provides for the construction of new transmission lines, substations and upgrades to existing infrastructure while coordinating with independent power producer (IPP) developments to ensure the network is ready when new generating capacity comes online.
“The plan coordinates timing with utility and IPP-build projects so that lines and substations are ready when new capacity connects, improving reliability, power quality and future load hosting,” he said.
Among the flagship projects is the 400kV Auas-KokerboomTransmission Line, estimated to cost N$2 billion. The project will strengthen system reliability between Auas Substation near Dordabis and Kokerboom Substation near Keetmanshoop while improving electricity transfers between southern and northern Namibia. It is expected to be commissioned during the second half of 2028.
NamPower is also developing the 400kV Obib-OranjemondTransmission Line, estimated at N$1.2 billion, which will serve as Namibia’s second interconnector with South Africa’s Eskom grid. The project is expected to be commissioned this year.
Another major investment is the 220/66kV Khomas Substation, a N$340 million project being co-funded with the City of Windhoek to strengthen electricity supply to the capital. Commissioning is also planned for later this year.
In the Erongo Region, NamPower and Erongo RED are jointly funding the 220/66kV Erongo Substation at an estimated cost of N$170 million to increase and stabilise electricity supply in one of Namibia’s fastest-growing economic regions.
Haulofu also announced that construction of the new 220/132kV Masivi Substation has been completed at a cost exceeding N$330 million. The project is intended to strengthen electricity supply to Namibia’s north-eastern regions.
He said the investments demonstrate NamPower’s commitment to expanding and modernising the country’s transmission infrastructure to accommodate rising electricity demand driven by industrialisation, mining activity and population growth.
Haulofu made the remarks during the official inauguration of the Sekelduin Substation, which he described as Africa’s first digital substation. Built at a cost of N$394 million, the facility will serve as the main transmission supply point for NamPower’s Swakopmund and Tamarisk substations, the NamWater South bulk water supply scheme serving the Husab Uranium Mine, and the Erongo RED distribution network.
He said NamPower currently owns and operates more than 12060 kilometres of transmission lines ranging from 66kV to 400kV, forming what he described as a world-class transmission system designed, built and maintained largely by Namibian professionals.
