InnoVent to inaugurate N$1.9bn Diaz wind farm

Renewable energy company InnoVent is set to inaugurate its 50 MW Diaz Wind Farm in the Tsau//Khaeb National Park, south of Lüderitz, on Friday, 23 October.

The N$1.9 billion project, funded by InnoVent, Lendosphere, IJG and Standard Bank, is expected to generate 240 GWh of electricity a year. The company says this is equivalent to saving 80 million litres of diesel that would otherwise be used in generators. The wind farm comprises 11 turbines with a total installed capacity of 50 MW, of which 44 MW will be fed into the national grid. 

Four of the 11 turbines are installed on Nabrabase foundations, a technology that allows the turbines to be raised to reach stronger and more consistent winds. InnoVent says the technology can increase electricity production by almost 40%. The foundations also require less concrete and steel. The amount of concrete needed is reduced from about 500 cubic metres for a conventional foundation to 80 cubic metres, while steel requirements fall from 60 tonnes to 10 tonnes per turbine.

According to Innovent, the commissioning of the wind farm would significantly expand its contribution to Namibia's renewable energy generation and support the country's transition towards a more diversified electricity supply. Once the Diaz Wind Farm is operational, InnoVent's renewable energy projects are expected to account for about 9% of Namibia's final electricity consumption. "This milestone represents not only a significant investment in Namibia's energy future but also a lasting contribution to a more sustainable, resilient and self-sufficient nation," the company said.

The inauguration will begin at the Lüderitz Nest Hotel with a formal welcome and introductory address, followed by speeches from industry figures including Ben Amathila, Dr Tjama Tjivikua, acting Electricity Control Board chairman Kahenge Simson Haulofu, NamPower managing director Gregoire Verhaeghe, and the Consul of Namibia in Lille, France, who is also chairman of InnoVent. The delegation will then travel to the wind farm outside Lüderitz for a guided site tour, ribbon-cutting ceremony and plaque unveiling.

InnoVent's renewable energy portfolio currently supplies about 2.4% of Namibia's final electricity consumption. The company has operated in Namibia since 2011 and has developed several renewable energy projects, including the Omburu, Osona, Alcon, Sorexa and CBV2 solar parks, as well as its first wind farm, Ombepo. Together, these projects have a combined capacity of 32 MW of solar photovoltaic power and 6 MW of wind power.