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Omburu Solar Power Station
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The Omburu Solar Power Station, located near the town of Omaruru in the Erongo Region, represents a pivotal milestone in Namibia's transition toward sustainable energy independence. Commissioned as the country's first utility-scale photovoltaic plant, it utilizes over 30,000 high-efficiency solar modules spread across a vast desert landscape to harness the region's exceptional solar radiation. Developed through a partnership between NamPower and InnoSun, the facility has a capacity of approximately 4.5 MW, significantly contributing to the reduction of carbon emissions and the reliance on electricity imports from neighboring countries. The project also focused on local empowerment, providing jobs and technical training to the community during its construction phase. As a flagship for green technology in Southern Africa, Omburu serves as a blueprint for subsequent renewable energy projects in the region, showcasing how the arid Namibian climate can be transformed into a productive source of clean power for the national grid.
- Location: Namibia
- Nearby: Okombahe (19 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 26 | 25 | 25 | 23 | 20 | 17 | 17 | 19 | 22 | 25 | 26 | 26 |
| Rain mm | 51 | 73 | 57 | 34 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 14 | 19 |
📋 Practical info
What is this place?
The Omburu Solar Power Station in Namibia is one of the first and largest photovoltaic plants in the country, promoting renewable energy. It plays a key role in diversifying the national power supply and reducing CO₂ emissions.
Visiting
The power station is an active industrial site and usually not open to the public. From surrounding roads, the solar panels and the facility as a whole are clearly visible.
Where to view it
The best viewpoint is on the main road south of Omburu, from where the entire power station can be seen. A small hill nearby features a higher perspective over the endless rows of solar panels.
Local products
The power station generates electricity that is fed into the national grid. There are no products for travelers on site, but the use of solar systems is becoming increasingly visible in the region.
Active season
The power station generates electricity year-round, with peak output during the sunny months from October to March. Then electricity production is highest and the facility operates at full capacity.
Nearby
Combine the visit with the town of Omaruru, known for its crafts and German colonial architecture. Etosha National Park is also reachable from Omburu for a day trip.
Geography
Facts
- Located near the town of Omaruru in the Erongo Region.
- Namibia's first utility-scale commercial solar power plant.
- Officially commissioned into the national grid in 2015.
- Features a 4.5-megawatt tracking photovoltaic system.
- Constructed and operated by the French company InnoSun.
- Takes advantage of Namibia's extremely high solar irradiance.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
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Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the Omburu Solar Power Plant?
It is one of the largest solar power plants in Namibia, contributing to sustainable electricity generation.
Is the power plant accessible to visitors?
No, the site is an active industrial facility and not open to the public for safety reasons.
Where is the solar power plant located?
It is located in the Erongo region, near Omaruru, an area with abundant sunlight.
Why was this location chosen?
The high solar radiation in Namibia makes this location good for efficient solar energy harvesting.
What role does it play in Namibia?
It strengthens the national energy supply and reduces dependence on fossil fuels.
Omburu Solar Power Station: where is it located?
Omburu Solar Power Station is located in Namibia.
Omburu Solar Power Station: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Aug, Sep.
Omburu Solar Power Station: why is it worth visiting?
The Omburu Solar Power Station, located near the town of Omaruru in the Erongo Region, represents a pivotal milestone in Namibia's transition toward sustainable energy independence.
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Nearby cities
Walvis Bay
Namibia's principal deep-water port, renowned for its large natural lagoon and salt pans.
Sandwich Bay
A spectacular location where the massive dunes of the Namib Desert plunge directly into the Atlantic Ocean.
Swakopmund
A premier coastal resort town characterized by its well-preserved German colonial architecture.
Omaruru
A picturesque town at the base of the Erongo Mountains, known for its thriving arts community and winery.
Usakos
A historic settlement that serves as the natural gateway to the dramatic Spitzkoppe granite peaks.
Karibib
A historic railway town famous globally for the exceptionally high-quality marble extracted nearby.
Arandis
A desert town originally established to support the massive Rössing Uranium Mine workforce.
Henties Bay
A popular coastal holiday destination, famous among anglers and off-road enthusiasts.
Uis
A remote mining settlement living in the shadow of the imposing Brandberg Massif.
Okombahe
A culturally rich settlement on the Omaruru River, functioning as the traditional seat of Damara leadership.
Omatjete
A communal farming village navigating the unique challenges of coexisting with free-roaming desert elephants.
History & landmarks
🗺️
Franke Tower
A stone watchtower in Omaruru commemorating the relief of the town by Captain Victor Franke in 1904.
Martin Luther Steam Tractor
A historic steam tractor just outside Swakopmund that got stuck in the sand in 1896 and was jokingly named after a quote by Martin Luther.
Hohenzollern Building
One of the most magnificent Neo-Baroque colonial buildings in Swakopmund, crowned by the figure of Atlas bearing the globe.
Swakopmund Lighthouse
An iconic red and white striped lighthouse in Swakopmund, which played an important role in the colonial history and navigation of the co…
Woermannhaus
A historic half-timbered building in Swakopmund, once the headquarters of the Damara and Namaqua Trading Company, famous for its Damara T…
Nature
More places
Erongo Mountains
A mountainous area of volcanic origin.
Erongo Mountains
An old volcanic mountain range.
Spitzkoppe Adventure Rock
A climbing paradise for kids and families.
Spitzkoppe
A group of prominent granite peaks.
Spitzkoppe
A striking group of granite peaks.
🗺️
Navachab Gold Mine
An established gold mine near Karibib and one of the few in Namibia.
🗺️
Brandberg Massif
The highest mountain in Namibia.
Trekkopje Uranium Mine
An extensive uranium mining project in the Erongo Region, operated by Orano.