NamPower has received eight Power Conversion System (PCS) containers that will form the core of the energy conversion process for the Omburu Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) Project.
The shipment, which arrived at Walvis Bay, marks the first delivery of major components for the project and represents a significant step forward in the development of Namibia’s first utility-scale battery storage facility.
The PCS units will be responsible for converting alternating current (AC) electricity from the national grid into direct current (DC) to charge the batteries, and then converting DC back into AC power for supply to homes, businesses and industries.
NamPower said all major components are expected to be delivered before the end of 2025, with commissioning planned for the second quarter of 2026.
Located near Omaruru, the Omburu BESS Project will provide 51MW/51MWh of capacity using lithium-ion (LFP) battery technology. Once operational, it will allow electricity to be stored for later use, strengthen grid reliability and facilitate the integration of renewable energy into the national power network.
The project will consist of nine PCS containers, each connected to four battery containers, totalling 36 battery containers with a combined output of 51MW/51MWh.
Four additional battery containers are expected later this week, bringing the total received to 12 containers. The remaining 32 battery containers and one PCS container are scheduled to arrive at Walvis Bay before the end of the year.
NamPower said the containers will be transported to the project site in the coming days.
The project is being implemented under the German–Namibian Development Cooperation framework. In December 2021, KfW Development Bank, the National Planning Commission and NamPower signed a €20 million (about N$400 million) grant agreement to fund the initiative, with NamPower contributing an additional N$100 million for transmission and related costs.
The engineering, procurement and construction contract was awarded to Shandong Electrical Engineering & Equipment Group Co., Ltd and Zhejiang Narada Power Source Co., Ltd Joint Venture in December 2023 after a detailed evaluation process.
NamPower noted that the design and procurement phases are almost complete, while construction and installation work on site are progressing.
The utility said the Omburu BESS Project will enhance its ability to manage energy demand and supply efficiently, reduce reliance on costly emergency power, and improve grid stability while enabling greater integration of renewable energy sources.
