NCF and Tandii Solar Plants: Powering Northern Namibia with Renewable Energy

In the Okatope District of northern Namibia, two solar plants are playing an important role in strengthening the local grid and advancing the country’s energy transition goals. Developed by subsidiary of ACES Renewables in equity partnership with Sustainable Power Solutions, the NCF and Tandii Solar Plants have a combined capacity of 10 MWac. The projects demonstrate the impact of well-planned renewable energy developments that integrate modern technology, local participation, and strategic collaboration.

Developing Utility-Scale Solar in Namibia

ACES Renewables, subsidiary company ARCP,  served as both the project developer and execution partner for the two plants, taking them from early development through to commercial operation. The power purchase agreements were negotiated and signed with NamPower, Namibia’s national utility, enabling the plants to deliver clean electricity into the grid.

Development began in 2016 and spanned approximately three years. The plants achieved commercial operation in the third quarter of 2019, with an official opening held on 4 December 2021. The ceremony was attended by King Fillemon Shuumbwa Nangolo, underscoring the strong level of community engagement throughout the project’s development.

Technical Delivery and Grid Integration

Each plant uses single-axis tracking technology to maximise energy production throughout the day. The system delivers power from two adjacent 6.2 MWdc solar farms, each with a 5 MWac capacity. To accommodate this generation, additional bays were constructed and substation equipment was upgraded at NamPower’s nearby substation.

Together, the NCF and Tandii plants have already supplied at least 140 GWh of energy to Namibia’s national grid. This has avoided approximately 126 000 tonnes of CO₂ emissions, contributing meaningfully to the country’s renewable energy targets.

Overcoming Engineering and Environmental Challenges

Developing two adjacent utility-scale solar projects presented a unique set of engineering and logistical considerations. The sites were divided by a railway line, which required careful permitting and coordination. Their location next to the substation, however, offered advantages for grid connection.

The development process involved several unexpected challenges. Historical graves were discovered on-site, and unexploded ordnance was identified and safely removed by the Namibian Defence Force. Flooding occurred after the commercial operation date but was covered by insurance, as 100-year flood line studies had been completed during the planning phase. There was also a road accident that damaged transformers, which were subsequently replaced through insurance.

Community Impact and Local Engagement

From the beginning, the projects were developed with community upliftment in mind. Local stakeholders supported the initiative, and community members were employed during construction. Skills transfer took place on-site, helping build local capacity in renewable energy development.

The surrounding community benefitted from infrastructure improvements, including the establishment of farms on arable land and upgrades to a school library. A soccer field was also developed as part of the community upliftment programme. Since becoming operational, the plants have been well received by residents, who recognise their contribution to both local development and national energy supply.

Strategic Significance for ACES and Namibia

The NCF and Tandii projects were subsidiary ARCP of ACES Renewables’ first developments in Namibia. They provided important insights into how renewable energy projects are structured and delivered in different national contexts. The successful delivery of these two utility-scale plants helped boost investor and regulatory confidence in Namibia’s interim REFIT programme, which was the country’s first large-scale renewable energy rollout.

These plants were among the first utility-scale PV tracker installations in the country, positioning ACES Renewables as a key player in Namibia’s transition to renewable energy. Their performance has supported national energy security by feeding clean power into the grid in a region that previously experienced frequent outages.

Looking Ahead

The company has plans to build on this momentum through the development of a new 40 MW PV project in Namibia, further supporting the country’s clean energy ambitions.

For ACES Renewables, these projects form part of a broader mission to drive Africa’s energy transition in line with global climate commitments. They demonstrate how renewable energy developments can deliver both environmental benefits and meaningful community upliftment, setting a strong example for future utility-scale projects across the continent.

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ACES Renewables is a premier provider of renewable energy solutions across Africa. With over 15 years of experience, we are driving the continent’s energy transition through innovative and sustainable clean energy solutions.

Our expertise spans end-to-end project execution, including engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC), energy optimisation, and advanced storage solutions. With a proven track record and strong local partnerships, ACES Renewables delivers scalable projects that address Africa’s growing energy needs while promoting environmental sustainability and economic growth.

By consistently demonstrating the success and impact of our projects, ACES Renewables is attracting forward-thinking investors eager to participate in Africa’s energy future, creating jobs, uplifting the local communities, improving health and cleaning the environment.  Our strategic vision and commitment to excellence position us as a trusted partner for those seeking to contribute to a cleaner, greener, and more prosperous continent.

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