Hoachanas solar project to increase employment, development
Earlier this month, founders of the Hoachanas Renewable Energy and Development Trust, Esther and Wolfgang Schmalz, handed over a donation of N$1.2 million to the Hoachanas settlement in the Hardap Region for a solar power project.
The project, which is in its first phase, is subject to a second and third phase if successful to increase the capacity to 120kWp from its initial 40kWp.
The donation will enable the construction of a solar photovoltaic park on leased property in the area to generate clean, renewable energy.
"Since 2003, we have been travelling in and around Namibia and would stay at Bitterwasser Lodge to fly gliders," Wolfgang said.
He added that their interest in the welfare of Namibians prompted them to support and start various other initiatives like the Hoachanas Children's Fund (HCF) and the Schwarzwald soup kitchen.
"In Germany, I fight for the ‘energiewende' [energy transition] towards renewable energy with two windmills, lots of solar plants, one hydroelectric power station and biomass heating.
“It is not easy to understand that Namibia – rich in solar and wind energy – still buys electricity from South Africa.”
For the community
According to Wolfgang, "25% of the income [of the solar project] will go to the trust for repair/maintenance, 25% to the local school, 25% to HCF and 25% to the community for social projects".
The construction of the project will also enable agricultural cultivation in the shaded area below the plant, which will create additional jobs, the trust said.
"After many years of preparation and negotiations, the last contracts for the solar and gardening project in Hoachanas have now been signed," the founders said.
The solar field will be operational at the end of February 2023.
The project, which is in its first phase, is subject to a second and third phase if successful to increase the capacity to 120kWp from its initial 40kWp.
The donation will enable the construction of a solar photovoltaic park on leased property in the area to generate clean, renewable energy.
"Since 2003, we have been travelling in and around Namibia and would stay at Bitterwasser Lodge to fly gliders," Wolfgang said.
He added that their interest in the welfare of Namibians prompted them to support and start various other initiatives like the Hoachanas Children's Fund (HCF) and the Schwarzwald soup kitchen.
"In Germany, I fight for the ‘energiewende' [energy transition] towards renewable energy with two windmills, lots of solar plants, one hydroelectric power station and biomass heating.
“It is not easy to understand that Namibia – rich in solar and wind energy – still buys electricity from South Africa.”
For the community
According to Wolfgang, "25% of the income [of the solar project] will go to the trust for repair/maintenance, 25% to the local school, 25% to HCF and 25% to the community for social projects".
The construction of the project will also enable agricultural cultivation in the shaded area below the plant, which will create additional jobs, the trust said.
"After many years of preparation and negotiations, the last contracts for the solar and gardening project in Hoachanas have now been signed," the founders said.
The solar field will be operational at the end of February 2023.
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