05.06.2012 - German-Namibian co-operation results in expansion of Ruacana Power Plant

The expansion of the Ruacana Hydro Power Plant with a 4th Turbine at Ruacana provides an additional 92 MW of capacity to Namibia. This capacity will ensure - in particular during the rainy season - additional and reliable power supply to the country as a whole and in particular to its industrial sector.

The German Development Bank (KfW) has, on behalf of the German Government, been actively cooperating with the Namibian Power Utility NamPower in the area of renewable energies. For the realization of the expansion of the Ruacana Power Plant the German Government provided through KfW a subsidized loan of 350 million N$. Having successfully completed the Caprivi Interconnector in 2010, the expansion of the Ruacana Hydro Power Plant with a 4th turbine is the second project to be completed in the context of this cooperation.

Since independence, Namibia has been one of the most important partner countries of German Development Co-operation in Africa. The main objectives of Namibian-German Co-operation are to support the Namibian Government in its efforts to reduce poverty and unemployment, to improve the sustainable use of natural resources and to foster economic development.

Since a reliable, sustainable and cost-efficient energy supply is key to economic development, the cooperation between the two governments in the field of renewable energies and climate change has over the last few years been of growing importance. Investing in renewable energies and replacing CO2-intensive thermal resources actively contribute to the global target on reduction of green house gas emissions

The 4th turbine comes on stream at a crucial point in time, when the country and the whole region is threatened by severe power shortages. The additional 92 MW will hence help NamPower to overcome supply shortages and provide reliable power to Namibian industries and households as well as allows the connection of more people to the Namibian power grid in support of further social and economic development.

After having won a price as “fast track deal of the year 2010” for implementing the Caprivi Interconnector, NamPower has once more managed to complete a project “in time and within budget”.