JCM Power Led Consortium Wins Namibia’s 20 MW Naruchas Solar Project

A consortium led by Canadian renewable energy developer JCM Power has won the contract to develop Namibia’s 20 MW Naruchas solar power project, adding to the country’s efforts to expand domestic electricity generation and reduce dependence on imports.

The consortium includes Broadreach Energy, Galen Group Investment and Southern Africa Group. It was selected through a competitive tender conducted by national utility NamPower. The project’s investment value, financing arrangements and construction timeline have not yet been disclosed.

NamPower targets 120 MW of solar capacity

Naruchas forms part of a 120 MW solar development programme through which NamPower plans to procure six solar power plants, each with a capacity of 20 MW, from independent power producers (IPPs).

The programme is intended to bring private investment into electricity generation while increasing the amount of power produced within Namibia. It complements NamPower’s own generation projects, including the 100 MW Sores |Gaib solar power plant and the planned 80 MW Omburu II project.

Using independent producers allows utilities to add generation capacity through privately developed projects, although the impact will depend on construction progress, grid connections and when the plants begin supplying electricity.

Electricity imports remain a major challenge

Namibia continues to rely heavily on electricity purchased from neighbouring countries. Data from the Namibia Statistics Agency showed that imports accounted for 65% of the country’s electricity supply in August 2026, while domestic generation supplied the remaining 35%.

Expanding solar generation could help reduce that dependence, particularly as Namibia seeks to increase the contribution of renewable energy to its electricity mix. However, solar power output varies with weather conditions and time of day, making grid infrastructure, storage and other sources of reliable electricity important to the wider energy strategy.

The Naruchas award is part of a broader effort to diversify electricity supply and attract private developers to Namibia’s power sector.

Private producers expand across Southern Africa

Namibia’s approach follows a regional trend towards greater participation by independent power producers in electricity generation.

South Africa has used its Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme to attract private investment in wind and solar projects since 2011. Zambia has also expanded opportunities for private electricity producers, including arrangements that allow eligible generators to supply customers directly.

South Africa has attracted private investment through its Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme since 2011. Zambia has also expanded opportunities for independent power producers, including arrangements that allow eligible generators to sell electricity directly to customers