NAMPOWER RENEGOTIATE 100MW ELECTRICITY SUPPLY FROM ESKOM
NamPower managing director Simeon Haulofu confirmed that the power utility has renegotiated and extended its electricity supply agreement with Eskom for another three years. ESKOM, which is currently faced with frequent power cuts, will continue to supply Namibia with 100MW electricity.
This follows NamPower’s five-year agreement with Eskom for the supply of 200MW and additional non-firm supply dependent on transmission capacity. Haulofu said the agreement can be extended based on future requirements.
“Namibia has been and continues to enjoy network support from Eskom,” he said.
Namibia produces about 40% of its energy requirements, while about 60% is imported from neighboring countries through the South African Power Pool. Approximately 30% of Namibia’s electricity is supplied by South Africa.
Meanwhile, South Africa is currently being hit by the worst power outages in more than two years, as Eskom experiences multiple plant breakdowns.
In a statement, Eskom said this is due to multiple plant breakdowns after illegal protests followed a deadlock in wage negotiations.
“We currently have 4 501MW on planned maintenance, while another 16 320MW of capacity is unavailable due to breakdowns. As the generation capacity shortages persist over the next few weeks, load-shedding will continue to be implemented at various stages,” Eskom said in a statement.
In January this year, NamPower chief operating officer Fritz Jacobs said the company needs a sufficient supply of electricity as it continues to import a significant share of electricity from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region.
He said NamPower’s planned renewable energy project portfolio is aimed at filling its supply gap and ensuring a reliable supply of electricity.
“We are committed to supporting the Namibian government’s objectives as set out in national planning policies, and in particular the National Integrated Resource Plan and the fifth National Development Plan,” Jacobs said.
SOURCE: Namibian