Martin Endjala
NamPower inaugurated the newly constructed Auas-Gerus 400 kV transmission line that runs from the Auas transmission station outside Windhoek to the Gerus transmission station near Otjiwarongo.
The line valued at N$870 million was inaugurated on Friday.
NamPower’s managing director, Kahenge Haulofu said this will enable the power utility to continue delivering on its mandate, by ensuring continued and reliable power supply.
“The transmission line will allow for an increased transfer capacity to NamPower’s transmission customers and will enhance the company’s ability to trade electricity between other countries within the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP),” said Haulofu.
He said the line was funded by Nampower and the cost was divided as N$629 million for the line and N$241 million for the upgrade of the Auas substation.
Haulofu said the 287-kilometre-long transmission line is a strategic investment towards Namibia’s electricity network that will allow NamPower to maintain pace with the evolving and increasing electricity needs of the country.
He explained that the Auas-Gerus transmission line project forms part of the utility’s N$4 billion fund aimed at expanding the utility company’s 400 kV transmission infrastructure by more than 800 kilometres.
This Haulofu said the development will enable NamPower to continue delivering on its mandate, that of ensuring continued and reliable security of supply.
The expansion programme will see the construction of two major transmission lines, such as the Obib-Oranjemund 96-kilometre line which will form a second 400kV interconnector link between NamPower and ESKOM in South Africa.
“Construction of this line has already commenced, and the expected commissioning date of the line is set for the second half of 2025. The estimated cost of this project is N$1.2 billion Namibia dollars,” said Haulofu.
Another is the Auas-Kokerboom near Keetmanshoop transmission line which will act as a second 400kV link between the Kokerboom substation near Keetmanshoop and Auas-Gerus near Windhoek.
Hailofu revealed that N$1.85 billion has been secured with the World Bank for this project, with construction planned in 2025 and the commissioning scheduled for 2028.
Meanwhile, mines and energy minister, Tom Alweendo said NamPower must ensure that the electricity it produces is affordable to consumers or else, Namibia will struggle to industrialise.
“If it is not affordable, be it at the household or industry level, we are going to struggle to industrialise. We need to make energy sources sufficient. Let us also bear in mind that we need to ensure we provide affordable electricity,” Alweendo said.
He said it is encouraging to see Nampower continuation in upgrading the national grid for the supply of electricity security in the country.
Khomas governor, Laura Mcleod-Katjirua said Namibia needs to count its blessings, noting that energy security has become an economic crisis in Southern Africa.
