Erongo RED sheds light on Walvis power woes

A N$570 million project by the Erongo Regional Electricity Distributor (Erongo RED) to address growing power challenges at Walvis Bay is progressing well. Set for completion in 2017, the distributor’s bulk electricity upgrade campaign aims to prepare the town for additional electricity demand expected from an imminent expansion of Namport, as well as of fishing factories and other industrial consumers. It is also hoped to address power outages being experienced at Walvis Bay due to the demand outstripping supply. Erongo Red CEO Robert Kahimise said on Tuesday that once completed, the upgrades would improve reliability, enable critical upgrades to be done, reduce network constraints and minimise unplanned interruptions. The upgrade is the largest capital project to be undertaken by the energy utility and according to the CEO it is critical to ensuring optimum service for its industrial and residential consumers. “The project is vital for the economy of the town and getting our grid development right can contribute to investor confidence, which could sustain economic growth in the region,” said Kahimise. He said Walvis Bay urgently needs a stronger electricity network. Electricity demand in the region has grown significantly over the past 10 years, with no major investments to counter its gradual outstripping of available supply. Consequently, Erongo RED adopted a load-shedding schedule to prevent the total collapse of the system. The situation has escalated to the point where any failure at one particular transmission line necessitates some type of load shedding, depending on the power load. Walvis Bay has been fortunate in that national power utility Nampower has so far added to the supply through local generation sources, such as the Anixas and Paratus power stations, whenever transmission lines were off. In the meantime, Nampower has worked with Erongo RED to prepare for the upgrading of the Walvis Bay network since 2012. Work completed to date include construction of the Walvis Bay Intake Substation, regarded as the gateway for all energy into the town. Also forming part of the bulk upgrades are transmission lines constructed by Nampower. In this regard, Erongo RED has contributed N$200 million, while Nampower spent N$370 million on the project. WALVIS BAY OTIS FINCK