Namibia’s state-owned utility, NamPower, has completed the 54-megawatt (MW) Anixas II Power Station, set to be inaugurated on February 21 in Walvis Bay to enhance the country’s electricity supply.
The power station, valued at a cost of $1.28 billion is a significant step in the country’s efforts to strengthen its electricity supply and energy security.
The new power station will operate in conjunction with the existing 22.5MW Anixas I Power Station, providing a reliable and dispatchable source of electricity to the national grid.
The Anixas II Power Station is designed to address Namibia’s growing energy demands and reduce reliance on electricity imports, which currently account for a significant portion of the country’s power supply.
Additionally, the power station is expected to play a crucial role in supporting Namibia’s transition to renewable energy.
As a dispatchable power source, Anixas II will help balance the grid by compensating for the intermittency of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind, which are subject to fluctuations in weather conditions.
The construction of Anixas II began in March 2022, following the signing of an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract between NamPower and the FK Namibia joint venture.
The joint venture was led by Israeli firm FK Generators & Equipment Limited, in collaboration with Namibian companies, August Twenty-six Construction and Phim Investments CC.
Anixas II employs Internal Combustion Reciprocating Engine (ICRE) technology and is currently powered by heavy fuel oil (HFO).
However, the facility has been designed with the flexibility to switch to alternative fuels such as diesel, liquefied natural gas (LNG), or compressed natural gas (CNG) in the future. This adaptability ensures that the power station can align with evolving energy trends and environmental considerations.
NamPower’s existing portfolio includes Anixas I and two other power stations, which collectively contribute an installed capacity of 459.5MW to the national grid.
The addition of Anixas II represents a significant expansion of the utility’s generation capabilities, further solidifying its role as a key player in Namibia’s energy sector.
The launch of Anixas II comes at a critical time for Namibia, as the country seeks to meet rising electricity demand driven by population growth, urbanization, and industrial development.
The Anixas II power station will complement Namibia’s renewable energy push even as the country constructs wind farms.
By investing in domestic power generation infrastructure, Namibia aims to create a more resilient energy system capable of supporting economic growth and improving the quality of life for its citizens.
