Description
Project Name: Ombepo
Project owner: InnoSun
Standard: Verra VCS
Project ID: 1915
Namibia has long been at the mercy of electricity imports from South Africa and other countries across the region (60% of their energy needs). In order to reduce this dependency, reforms have been undertaken in an attempt to attract independent power producers (IPPs) into Namibia’s power sector. It is in this context that the Ombepo wind farm was developped by InnoSun.
The plant is located in Ludertiz. The project takes advantage of strong Atlantic Ocean winds to produce green electricity and supply 20,000 Namibians with it.
Ombepo (which means wind in a local dialect), is the first wind farm in the country. The project features 3 turbines (80 meters high), it allows the country to reduce their electricity’s importation from South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
InnoSun (subsidiary of Innovent) is a French independant company that builds and operates wind and solar farms in Africa (20% of their turnover).
For over a decade, they have worked to address the issues relating to development, construction and operation of wind power plant. It is an experienced company which has earned its place in the renewable energy sector.
Impact
Namibia imports around 3 M KWh of electricity from neighboring countries.
The project reduces this importation and helps the country to save money and relocate it to the population.
The plant was built through advanced technology transfer from industrialized countries.
The project was the first to introduce sizable wind turbines technology, and associated skills in Namibia.
Innovent used the local workforce to build the plant.
The project hired 70 people for the construction phase and relies on 5 permanent technicians to ensure operation and maintenance.
Namibia targets 70% of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix by the year 2030.
The project helps the country to reach its target by producing their own green electricity.
CSR Action
Innovent is committed to work with governments by offering and installing solar panels for the local communities to help them meet their energy needs. Innovent has made more than €1500,000 in donations
Innovent also supports the music project Muzukidz in communities in southern Africa, giving violin courses to kids promoting well-being and integration in the society.
Innovent funds the reforestation of lands. The reforested area allows some animal species to find refuge and to flourish again.