On 16 August 2024, the NTA, in collaboration with its international development partners, inaugurated three grid-tied Photovoltaic (PV)
Solar Plants at Eenhana VTC (Ohangwena), Valombola VTC (Oshana), and Nakayale VTC (Omusati), marking a significant milestone in
advancing green energy solutions within Namibia’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector.
The newly inaugurated solar plants were developed through the Promotion of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ProTVET III) Project, a joint initiative between the NTA and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, and funded through the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union. The PV systems are designed to generate and feed electricity directly into the national grid, meeting the full power needs of the VTCs, including three-phase equipment. Each system is also integrated with automatic backup generators, ensuring uninterrupted power supply during electrical outages. In addition to energy provision, the systems feature intelligent CCTV setups and solar floodlights to enhance security at the training centres.
In her keynote address, Minister of Higher Education, Technology and Innovation, Hon. Dr. Kandjii-Murangi emphasised the importance of the TVET sector in driving economic development and job creation in Namibia, highlighting that initiatives like the solar installations align with the Namibian Government’s broader goals of sustainable development. “Namibia’s high solar yield positions the country as a leader in renewable energy adoption and these photovoltaic solar plants is therefore an encouraging development. Such systems are perfect for Namibia’s arid environment, because they are extremely durable and require little upkeep. Panels can last up to 25 years and are made to endure our extreme weather conditions”, she noted. “The main advantage of solar electricity is the cost saving aspect. Furthermore, from a corporate social responsibility perspective, we are now able to generate our own green electricity and operate in a manner that reduces our environmental impact and lower our carbon footprint”, the Minister added.
Dr. Kandjii-Murangi also called on the three VTCs to take full ownership of the installations. “Join hands in maintaining these facilities and work together in protecting them against destruction, theft and vandalism. I also challenge the VTCs to develop an introductory level of renewable energy awareness training to staff and the public at large”, the Minister concluded