Electrical Engineering Services In Namibia

The electricity sector in Namibia, as of 2020, boasted a robust total installed capacity of 588 MW. The majority of this capacity came from thermal power plants, which contributed 434 MW, while the remaining 154 MW was generated from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind. The country has set ambitious goals to significantly increase its renewable energy share by 2030 and to collaborate with regional power systems such as the Southern African Power Pool (SAPP).

The national grid in Namibia is an extensive network of transmission lines, with varying voltages of 220 kV, 132 kV, and 66 kV. It covers a distance of around 5,500 km and is supported by 34 substations. Future plans involve upgrading and expanding the infrastructure to further enhance grid stability and reliability. The distribution network, which operates on various voltage levels ranging from 220 kV down to 11 kV, is efficiently managed by NamPower, regional electricity distributors (RED’s), local authorities, and municipalities. Enhancing distribution efficiency and expanding rural access to electricity are top priorities.

In 2020, Namibia experienced a peak demand of approximately 620 MW, along with an annual electricity consumption of 3,500 GWh. This consumption has been steadily growing at a rate of 3-4% per year. The country is confronted with major challenges, such as a heavy dependence on imported electricity, limited domestic generation capacity, and significant transmission and distribution losses. The lack of sufficient grid infrastructure in rural areas adds another layer of complexity to the challenge of meeting the increasing demand.

Nevertheless, Namibia has a multitude of renewable energy resources that offer substantial prospects. The country has a strong advantage in harnessing solar, wind, and biomass resources for both domestic power needs and regional trade. In addition, there is a strong emphasis on energy storage and grid modernisation to drive economic growth and alleviate poverty.

The regulatory landscape is influenced by various policies and overseen by relevant authorities. The National Energy Policy (2017), the Electricity Act (2007), and the Renewable Energy Policy (2017) play a significant role in shaping the regulations. The Electricity Control Board ensures compliance, while the Ministry of Mines and Energy provides policy direction. NamPower, the state-owned utility, holds a significant position in the sector, working alongside private sector participants such as independent power producers and distributors.

As Namibia looks to the future, it strives to find a harmonious balance between meeting its energy needs and promoting sustainability. This approach is aimed at fostering both economic growth and environmental stewardship.

Communications Network in Namibia

Namibia boasts a strong and highly advanced telecommunications infrastructure, complete with a fixed-line network that caters to an impressive 130,000 subscribers. The mobile network, known for its extensive coverage and commitment to innovation, has recently started conducting trials for the latest technology to further improve connectivity. The country had a robust 10,000 km fiber-optic backbone that offered widespread national coverage. It was connected to the global network through five submarine cables: WACS, SAT-3, ACE, WIOCC, and Equiano.

Namibia boasts a solid internet penetration rate of 52%, with a substantial 350,000 broadband subscribers. This includes 15,000 fixed broadband users and an impressive 335,000 mobile broadband users. Both fixed and mobile broadband services provided impressive speeds of up to 100 Mbps, while the cutting-edge 5G technology boast speeds reaching up to 1 Gbps.

The broadcasting and media landscape boasts a strong presence of two public TV channels (NBC and One Africa TV) and 10 private channels. The radio sector is thriving with two public stations (NBC Radio and National FM) and 20 private stations. The sector was governed by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN) through various frameworks, including the Communications Act of 2009, the Broadcasting Act of 1996, and the Postal and Telecommunications Services Act of 1992.

Lithon Electrical Services in Namibia

Lithon Project Consultants has solidified its position as a prominent player in Namibia's electrical engineering sector, driven by a dedication to sustainable development and enhancing the quality of life for Namibians. With its specialized services, Lithon plays a vital role in driving the nation's infrastructure development and fueling economic growth. Our company excels in the design and optimization of transmission and distribution networks, including high-voltage (HV) and medium-voltage (MV) systems.

Lithon's grid extension projects are dedicated to bringing reliable electricity to rural areas, ensuring that even the most remote communities have access to this essential resource.

Lithon's range of services extends far beyond electrical engineering. With expertise in communication systems, security systems, process control, and instrumentation, the company demonstrates a holistic approach to supporting Namibia's development. Lithon Project Consultants plays a crucial role in shaping the country's infrastructure and economic landscape by consistently delivering high-quality solutions.

Okahao Electrification Project

The electrification project in Okahao, Namibia, encompassed the complete process of designing, tendering, and supervising the construction of medium and low voltage electricity networks. Lithon successfully provided service connections to a wide range of locations in Portion A & B of the Okahao Constituency in the Omusati Region. This initiative aligns with Namibia's objective of attaining widespread electricity access, as stated in the National Electrification Policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it true that South Africa supplies electricity to Namibia?

Hydropower is the main source of energy for Namibia, with four power stations. Still, the majority of power comes from outside sources, mainly through bilateral contracts with Eskom of South Africa and, to a lesser degree, the Southern Africa Power Pool (SAPP). This accounts for around 60% of the overall electrical energy demand.

Who is Namibia's power distribution company?

All across Namibia, NamPower provides regional electricity distributors (REDs), farms, mines, and local authorities with bulk electricity.

What is Green Hydrogen?

Green hydrogen is a zero-carbon propellant that is generated by electrolyzing water with renewable energy sources, such as solar or wind power. With no emissions or pollution, this process divides water molecules (H2O) into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2). The anticipated costs for a hypothetical 100 megawatt (MW) green hydrogen project in Namibia is between $150 million and $300 million. These estimates are approximate and may fluctuate in response to a variety of factors, such as fluctuations in location-specific costs, technological advancements, and economies of scale.

What is the function of Namibia's communication regulatory authority?

The telecommunications, broadcasting, and postal sectors of Namibia are regulated by the Communications Regulatory Authority of Namibia (CRAN). The CRAN website offers consumers and stakeholders information regarding compliance, enforcement, licensing, and events.