Africa-Press – Namibia. ORANO Mining Namibia has started with the groundwork for its 5 Megawatt (MW) solar plant at the Trekkopje site near Arandis, with the plant anticipated to be operational by the end of next year.
This information comes from Christine de Klerk, Orano’s Consultant of Communication and Communities, who confirmed that the site fencing, earthworks, trenching, and foundations for the switching and metering substation building are well underway.
She explained that the solar plant’s purpose is to provide a portion of the energy required by the Erongo Desalination Plant (EDP). The EDP, situated on the coast approximately 35 kilometres (km) north of Swakopmund, is owned by Orano Mining Namibia and operated by Nafasi Water.
De Klerk revealed that the project is being executed in adherence to a ten-year power purchase agreement (PPA) with InnoSun Energy Holdings. Under this arrangement, InnoSun Energy Holdings is tasked with the design, construction, ownership, and operation of the 5 MW solar plant.
“This project is part of the Orano group policy aiming to lower its carbon footprint and increase the share of low-carbon electricity at its operating sites worldwide,” De Klerk explained.
She further disclosed that the project’s outcome will lead to a more cost-effective provision of water to the Erongo Region through the use of environmentally friendly electricity sources in the long term. Additionally, she said, the solar plant is expected to make a significant contribution towards reducing the carbon footprint of the EDP.
“Once commissioned, it is expected to reduce energy costs of the desalination process, and lower annual greenhouse gas emissions by 30%, which is equivalent to 9 722 tons of carbon dioxide,” De Klerk added.
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