Namibia - 400 kv interconnector project (electricity i project)

The project is a priority project in the energy sector policy of the Government of Namibia. It also fits into the Bank Group’s strategy to promote stronger and sustainable economic growth in Namibia. The project will strengthen the electric network in Namibia, provide reliable and good quality electricity as well as increase supply to various economic sectors and households in both the urban and rural areas. The 400 kV interconnector will extend from RSA to Namibia to: (i) increase the capacity of the existing substation at Kokerboom, to supply new consumers in the Keetmanshoop town and agricultural and industrial loads around the substation; and (ii) supply the industrial and commercial loads in Windhoek and the mining loads. It will contribute to economic development through the establishment of new projects, especially in the mining sector, and hence, create greater employment. The project will augment the supply capability of the national grid, which is supplying 95% (1997) of the country’s electricity. It will have a positive distributional effect in the sense that it will also make electricity available to small-scale enterprises and in households in both the urban and rural areas through distribution of power by the municipalities and local governments.