By Koviao Matuzee
Namibia’s push to reduce its dependence on imported electricity is gaining momentum, but the newly inaugurated N$1.6 billion Diaz Wind Farm will have to prove how much relief it can bring to a power system that continues to rely heavily on neighboring countries.
The 50-megawatt (MW) wind farm, developed by French renewable energy company InnoVent near Lüderitz, was officially inaugurated on 23 October.
However, while the project marks a significant addition to Namibia’s domestic energy infrastructure, it was generating 32MW at the time of its inauguration, leaving it to work towards its full installed capacity.
The difference between what the facility can generate and what it is currently supplying raises a broader question about how quickly new investments can translate into reduced electricity imports and greater energy security for the country.
Namibia continues to source a substantial portion of its electricity from neighbouring countries, exposing its supply to regional generation constraints and fluctuations in the availability of power.
According to figures released by the Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), electricity imports accounted for 56.5 percent of the country’s total electricity supply in July 2026.
The country imported 246,182 megawatt-hours (MWh) out of a total supply of 435,543MWh during the month, while domestic generation contributed 189,360MWh.
This dependence comes at a time when regional electricity supply remains under pressure, particularly as countries such as Zambia and South Africa face their own generation challenges.
The NamPower managing director, Simson Haulofu, previously warned that Namibia imports up to 70 percent of its electricity from neighbouring countries during periods of constrained supply.
The Diaz project is therefore expected to strengthen the country’s ability to meet more of its electricity needs locally.
According to InnoVent, the wind farm is projected to generate more than 230 gigawatt-hours (GWh) of electricity annually once fully operational, potentially supplying between five (5) percent and six (6) percent of Namibia’s electricity demand.
However, the projected contribution will depend on the facility reaching its operational targets and consistently delivering electricity to the national grid.
The project comprises 11 wind turbines and represents an investment of approximately N$1.6 billion. It is expected to contribute up to 50MW to domestic electricity generation, although reports indicate that up to 44MW will be fed into the national grid.
NamPower has set its sights on increasing domestic generation as part of its broader energy independence ambitions. Its 2026–2030 Integrated Strategic Business Plan targets 80% energy self-sufficiency by 2030.
The plan includes expanding renewable energy generation and developing additional infrastructure to strengthen the country’s electricity supply.
The Diaz wind farm adds to this effort, but one project alone cannot resolve the structural challenges facing the energy sector.
Its contribution will also need to be considered alongside other planned investments, including solar, wind and battery storage projects intended to diversify the country’s energy mix.
Beyond electricity generation, the investment has supported approximately 200 jobs during construction and is expected to sustain around 60 operational positions. Local content accounted for approximately 45 percent of the construction phase, with Namibian companies participating in civil works, electrical installations and crane installation.
At the inauguration, //Kharas regional rovernor David Gertze said residents expected the development to contribute to lower electricity prices.
The expectation reflects the wider economic importance of energy security, as reliable and competitively priced electricity is essential for businesses to expand, attract investment and create employment.
The wind farm is aligned with the Sixth National Development Plan (NDP6), which identifies renewable energy expansion and energy security as important priorities for Namibia’s economic development.
While the inauguration marks the completion of a major investment milestone, the project’s real contribution will be measured by the electricity it consistently delivers to the national grid.
With imports still accounting for more than half of the country’s electricity supply in recent monthly statistics, Namibia’s energy independence ambitions will require not only more renewable energy projects, but also the capacity to turn those investments into dependable domestic electricity.
