InnoVent’s N$1.6 billion Diaz Wind Farm officially inaugurated

**CHAMWE KAIRA **

InnoVent’s 50 MW Diaz Wind Farm near Lüderitz was officially inaugurated on Friday, marking an important milestone in Namibia’s efforts to expand renewable energy generation, strengthen energy security and support sustainable economic development.

Jenelly Matundu, deputy minister of international relations and trade, and David Gertze, governor of the //Karas Region, officially inaugurated the wind farm, alongside other stakeholders.

The N$1.6 billion investment supported approximately 200 jobs during construction and 60 operational jobs, with local content accounting for approximately 45% during construction.

Namibian companies contributed to civil and electrical works, as well as crane installation, creating opportunities for local businesses to participate in this major investment.

The wind farm is partly operational and currently generating 32 megawatts, progressing towards its full installed capacity of 50 MW to the national grid.

Over time, projects like Diaz can help diversify Namibia’s electricity supply and reduce reliance on imported power, according to the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB).

NIPDB supported the investment through facilitation, including engaging relevant government offices, ministries and agencies to address overlapping interests within the Mining Licence area and assisting with visa and employment permit processes for project personnel.

The NIPDB said project contributes to Namibia’s broader development ambitions under the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), particularly efforts to expand renewable energy generation and build a more resilient and sustainable energy sector

According to the French Embassy in Namibia, the InnoVentDiaz Wind Farm is set to make a major contribution to Namibia’s electricity supply.

With 11 wind turbines and an installed capacity of 50 MW, the project will inject up to 44 MW into the national grid.

Developed by French company InnoVent through its Namibian subsidiary InnoSun, the project builds on more than a decade of commitment to Namibia’s renewable energy sector.

The French Embassy said once operational, InnoVent’srenewable energy projects are expected to supply approximately 9% of Namibia’s final electricity consumption, up from around 2.4% today.

“A remarkable achievement made possible through technical expertise, investment and collaboration, showcasing the potential of French-Namibian partnerships to advance the energy transition,” the Embassy stated.

NamPower’s renewable projects in recent years have included the 20 MW Khan Solar PV independent power producer project, the 20 MW Omburu PV project completed in March 2022, the 100 MW Rosh Pinah Solar PV project is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2027 and a 51 MW, one-hour Omburu battery energy storage system targeted for the third quarter of 2026.

Projects planned over the medium term include the 50 MW Cerim Wind project, a 45 MW Lithops battery energy storage system, an 80 MW Omburu PV expansion, a 40 MW biomass project and a 120 MW solar PV independent power producer project.