Page 11 - AfrElec Week 17 2021

AfrElec RENEWABLES AfrElec

US supports 5-GW solar roll-out

in Namibia and Botswana

NAMIBIA US President Joe Biden has confirmed his into two of the globe’s most significant produc-
administration’s support for Namibia and ers of solar power, enough to begin exporting
Botswana’s Mega Solar Project, which aims to renewable energy to the southern Africa region.
develop 5 GW of solar power across the two Beyond the economic potential, Mega Solar will
countries. help decarbonise southern Africa and will make
The Mega Solar project is a part of USAID’s a significant contribution to global efforts on cli-
Power Africa Initiative, which is committed to mate change.”
assisting the southern Africa region transform Mark Carrato, USAID’s Coordinator of
from its reliance on fossil fuels to clean energy, Power Africa, said: “Simply put, this milestone
enabling a path to decarbonisation. agreement, with Botswana and Namibia demon-
Mega Solar aims to prevent an estimated strating unprecedented leadership and collab-
6.5mn tonnes per year (tpy) of CO2, according oration, moves Mega Solar from the concept
to a statement from US development agency phase to the action phase.”
Power Africa. The Power Africa Initiative – established by
“I am very excited that Namibia, Botswana, the 2013 Electrify Africa Act – aims to improve
the United States, the World Bank, the Inter- lives, support economic growth and combat cli-
national Finance Corporation and the African mate change through improved access to clean,
Development Bank have taken important steps reliable and affordable electricity.
forward together on the Mega Solar Project,” US Since 2013, Power Africa has leveraged the
Ambassador to Namibia Lisa Johnson said. combined expertise of the private sector and 12
“Mega Solar will directly advance a goal set US government agencies to bring 12,000 MW –
forth in His Excellency President Geingob’s Har- representing a $22bn of investment – to financial
ambee Prosperity Plan II for Namibia by achiev- close.
ing a secure and cost-effective energy supply.” Power Africa, though its partnerships and
All the project partners signed a memoran- comprehensive technical assistance presence, is
dum of intent earlier in April. uniquely positioned to advance the Biden-Harris
“When fully realised, Mega Solar could be Administration’s objectives to support economic
one of the largest solar parks in the world, gener- growth and decarbonisation across sub-Saha-
ating 3,000-5,000 MW of energy,” Ambassador ran Africa, a region critical to fighting climate
Johnson added. change.™
“This could transform Namibia and Botswana

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