BREAKING NEWS: Amutse calls for faster progress on Baynes hydropower project

Namibia's Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Modestus Amutse, has called for the Baynes Binational Hydropower Project to move swiftly from planning to implementation, with construction to begin as soon as possible.

“My desire and expectation is that this project should now move expeditiously from studies to real action. The time has come to translate the many years of preparation into implementation and, ultimately, commence construction as soon as possible,” Amutse told delegates at a bilateral meeting on the project in Luanda, Angola, on 16 October.

Amutse said the project had been under consideration for decades, with initial studies focusing on the Epupa site in the 1990s and feasibility studies for the Baynes site beginning in 2008.

“It has been an extremely lengthy process. It is now time to bring the development phase to a clear conclusion and move towards the construction of this much-needed energy infrastructure project,” he said.

Amutse highlighted the strategic importance of the project to Namibia and Angola, as well as the wider region.

“Namibia remains a net importer of electricity from its neighbours, and we are fortunate to benefit from strong and mutually beneficial regional relationships. This project is therefore a necessary enabler of energy security for our two countries and, by extension, for the wider region,” he said.

Given the high capital costs associated with hydropower development, the two governments have agreed to pursue a public-sector implementation model. The funding arrangements are intended to support competitive and affordable electricity tariffs for consumers.

Amutse said the Baynes Project Implementation Unit and its financial advisers had developed a funding strategy that would be presented to both governments for consideration as they determine the most suitable financing model.

“As we consider the appropriate funding pathway, I commend the support of our two power utilities, our development partners and the important role of the Southern African Power Pool in positioning this project as one of the key strategic power generation projects in the region,” he said.

Source: Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy