Clean solar energy for Namibia

More than sixty percent of Namibia's energy is imported from the South African energy pool, which is mainly supplied by fossil-fuel power plants. To reduce this dependence, the carbon offset project in Omaheke near the town of Gobabis in Namibia uses the sun as a climate-friendly energy source: The solar plants constructed in 2017 include 18,560 PV solar modules and have a total capacity of 12.064 MW. As a result, approximately 26.6 GWh of clean electricity is fed into the Namibian power grid annually. This sustainable power generation saves an average of about 26,200 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.

In addition to reducing emissions and improving Namibia's energy self-sufficiency, the project is also having a positive impact on the local labor market. Since construction began, 30 jobs have been created, at least eight of which will be dedicated to the long-term operation and maintenance of the plant.

How does solar energy contribute to climate action?Since energy from solar panels is created without burning fossil fuels, it is considered emission-free. The growth of renewable energy production is essential to prevent global warming and secure energy supplies for the future. The amount of emissions saved by a solar energy project is calculated using the baseline method: how much CO2 would be released by generating the same amount of energy using standard energy production methods for the region?
Contribution to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
Affordable and Clean EnergyEvery year, the project feeds 26,6 GWh of energy into Namibia's grid, helping to make the country independent of energy imports and improving the electricity supply.
Decent Work and Economic GrowthThe power plant has created jobs. Local companies benefit from the secure energy supply.
Climate ActionThe project saves about 26,260 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year.
Project standardVerified Carbon Standard (VCS)TechnologySolar energyRegionOmaheke, NamibiaEstimated annual emission reductions26,265 t CO2Validated byTÜV NORD CERT GmbHVerified byTÜV NORD CERT GmbH