Keetmanshoop: Namibia’s solar and hydrogen frontrunner

Keetmanshoop, in the //Karas Region of southern Namibia, is poised to play a significant role in the
country’s shift toward renewable energy

Already, licensed projects such as the 60MWp merchant solar plant near Keetmanshoop – developed by Solarcentury Africa in collaboration with SolNam Energy – are advancing with procurement, environmental clearances, and a planned connection to the Kokerboom substation.

At the same time, local municipal works are underway, with Keetmanshoop securing a N$11.9 million ($690,200) loan from the Development Bank of Namibia to upgrade its electricity network.

Visiting the ESI Africa studio, Mayor Annelise Knaus underlined the opportunity: “We have about 30,000 hectares of farmland in Keetmanshoop, and we have already availed some of the land for solar projects.”

This scale of available land, coupled with Namibia’s national push for renewables, places the town at the centre of an emerging green corridor. While Keetmanshoop has made tangible strides in infrastructure upgrades and electrification, challenges remain.

Bulk power availability, grid stability and high-quality supply remain issues, particularly as demand increases and new solar capacity comes online.

Cover photo:   photochicken©123rf