With an estimated average annual growth in electricity demand of 3 percent over the next 30 years and a government policy that seeks to ensure energy security, Namibia is in need of an improved electricity generating capacity that focuses on developing the country’s energy sources, particularly solar energy. The development of grid-fed solar power-generated electricity will help Namibia reduce the carbon intensity of its current electricity supply and will contribute to climate change mitigation efforts.

Funding through the GEF and co-financing will provide a key strategic entry point to achieve the development and implementation of locally-specific concentrating solar power (CSP) technology policies and platforms. Many of the barriers that inhibit the establishment of CSP plants in Namibia can be sufficiently addressed through the four components of this project: a) establishment of CSP Technology Partnerships, b) development of a market policy framework for CSP technology, c) creating and implementing a business model and financing framework for CSP projects, and d) constructing a CSP pre-commercial pilot plant.