Otjikoto Biomass Power Station (OBPS), is a 40 MW (54,000 hp) biomass-fired thermal power plant under development in Namibia. The power station is owned and under development by NamPower, the national electricity utility company. As raw material, the power station is designed to use wood chips.[1]
| Otjikoto Biomass Power Station | |
|---|---|
 Otjikoto Biomass Power Station | |
| Official name | Otjikoto Biomass Power Station |
| Country | Namibia |
| Location | Tsumeb, Oshikoto Region |
| Coordinates | 19°13′26″S 17°42′30″E / 19.22389°S 17.70833°E |
| Status | Under construction |
| Construction began | 2024 |
| Commission date | 2027 Expected |
| Construction cost | US$152 million |
| Owner | NamPower |
| Thermal power station | |
| Primary fuel | Biomass |
| Power generation | |
| Nameplate capacity | 40 MW (54,000 hp) |
| Capacity factor | 300 GWh |
Location
editThe power plant is under construction approximately 12 kilometres (7 mi), north of the town of Tsumeb, in the Oshikoto Region of Namibia.[1] Tsumeb is located approximately 433 kilometres (269 mi) northeast of Windhoek, the largest city and national capital of the country.[2]
Overview
editThe 40 MW power-generating plant is designed to use as raw material, wood chips derived from shrubs and bushes that grow abundantly in the locality where the power station is located, as a result of woody plant encroachment. NamPower, the owner/developer of the power station intends to integrate the power generated here into the Namibian grid. The power station will burn wood chips to heat water and produce steam. The steam will then be used to turn turbines and generate electricity.[1][3][4][5]
Construction costs and funding
editFinancing was obtained from various sources as outlined in the table below. The construction budget is calculated as US$151.83 million.[1][3]
| Rank | Funding Partner | Millions of US$ | Percentage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | French Development Agency | 100.00 |
65.86 |
Loan[1][3] |
| 2 | Mitigation Action Facility | 26.96 |
17.76 |
Grant[1][3] |
| 3 | Government of Namibia | 21.64 |
14.25 |
Equity[1][3] |
| 4 | French Facility for Global Environment | 3.23 |
2.13 |
Grant[1][3] |
| Total | 151.83 |
100.00 |
Contractor and timeline
editThe selected engineering, procurement and construction contractor is Dong Fang Electric International Corporation (DFEIC) of China. Construction was expected to start in H1 2024 and commercial commissioning is expected in Q1 2027.[1][3][4] A groundbreaking ceremony was held on 15 November 2024 at the construction site.[6]
Macro-economic impacts
editSeveral benefits are expected to accrue from this project including:[4]
- It has been estimated that around N$21 million (US$1.14 million) in economic benefits could be achieved, both through the commercial activity along the fuel supply chain and through improved ecosystem services, such as "increased groundwater recharge and improved agricultural productivity in harvested areas".[4]
- The project increases the country's generation capacity as it strives to become a net energy exporter by 2030.[4]
- This power station is part of Namibia's efforts to reduce dependency on imported electricity.[4]
See also
edit
References
edit- ^ a b c d e f g h i Matthew Dlamini (5 June 2024). "Tsumeb To Get Biomass Power Station". The Namibian. Windhoek, Namibia. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
- ^ "Road Distance Between Tsumeb, Namibia And Windhoek, Namibia" (Map). Google Maps. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f g "Namibia: Construction Begins On 40 MW Biomass Power Plant". Energy Capital & Power. Cape Town, South Africa. 29 May 2024. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f Niël Terblanché (30 May 2024). "NamPower Set To Launch N$2 Billion Biomass Power Plant". Windhoek Observer. Windhoek, Namibia. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
- ^ O+GR (26 October 2023). "Namibia Launches Tender For EPC Contract For 40 MW Biomass Power Station". Africa Oil & Gas Report (O+GR). Lagos, Nigeria. Retrieved 13 June 2024.
- ^ Matthys, Donald (18 November 2024). "Construction of 40MW Otjikoto biomass power plant kicks off". The Namibian. Retrieved 19 November 2024.