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Ruacana Hydroelectric Power Station

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Industrial site
—°1
Ruacana Hydroelectric Power Station (Namibia)

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The Ruacana Hydroelectric Power Station is Namibia's primary source of domestic electricity, located on the Kunene River at the border with Angola. The facility was constructed during the 1970s as part of the Kunene River Project and reached full operational status in 1978. It is an underground power station situated 190 meters below the surface, utilizing the natural drop of the Ruacana Falls. With an installed capacity of 347 megawatts, it provides a substantial portion of Namibia's power requirements, especially during the rainy season when river flows are high. Operated by the state-owned utility NamPower, the plant features three 80 MW Francis turbines and a fourth 92 MW unit commissioned in 2012. Beyond power generation, the infrastructure is critical for regulating water flow for agricultural irrigation in the northern regions.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C262525242118182125272827
Rain mm1371241323040001164382

📋 Practical info

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What is this place?
The Ruacana Hydroelectric Power Station is Namibia's main electricity generator, located at the Ruacana Falls on the Kunene River. It supplies a large part of the country with electric power.
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Visiting
The power station itself is a secured industrial site, typically not open to the public. The impressive Ruacana Falls and surrounding area are viewable from observation platforms.
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Where to view it
The best view of the power station and falls is from the official observation platform near the entrance. There you can see the water feeding the turbines and plunging into the gorge.
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Local products
Around the power station, no specific products are sold. In nearby villages, traditional Himba and Herero handicrafts can sometimes be found.
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Active season
Electricity generation is constant year-round, depending on the Kunene River's flow. The highest water volume occurs during the rainy season from November to April, when the plant runs at full capacity.
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Nearby
The power station is near the Epupa Falls and the Kunene Valley, known for striking landscapes. Visiting traditional Himba villages in the region is also recommended.

Geography

Coordinates
-17.40000, 14.28330

Facts

  • Full operational status was achieved in 1978.
  • Total installed capacity of 347 megawatts.
  • The powerhouse is located 190 meters underground.
  • Utilizes water from the Kunene River on the border.
  • Equipped with three 80 MW and one 92 MW turbines.
  • Namibia's primary domestic source of renewable energy.

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Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Ruacana Hydroelectric Power Station (1)

Ruacana Falls🌿 nature

This viewpoint provides a dramatic perspective on the cascading waters and rocky gorge of the Ruacana Falls.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the Ruacana power plant?
A large hydropower plant on the Kunene River.
Can it be visited?
No, it is a closed facility.
What is the area known for?
For the Ruacana Falls in the immediate vicinity.
How to get there?
Via the road to the far north.
When to go?
In the rainy season, when the waterfalls are spectacular.
Ruacana Hydroelectric Power Station: where is it located?
Ruacana Hydroelectric Power Station is located in Namibia.
Ruacana Hydroelectric Power Station: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Aug.
Ruacana Hydroelectric Power Station: why is it worth visiting?
The Ruacana Hydroelectric Power Station is Namibia's primary source of domestic electricity, located on the Kunene River at the border with Angola.
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Nearby cities

Ruacana — Ruacana Hydroelectric Power Station (Namibia)
Ruacana
A settlement situated near a major hydroelectric plant and majestic waterfalls on the Kunene River.
Tsandi — Ruacana Hydroelectric Power Station (Namibia)
Tsandi
A deeply traditional village that houses the grand royal homestead of the Uukwaluudhi King.
Outapi — Ruacana Hydroelectric Power Station (Namibia)
Outapi
The vibrant capital of the Omusati Region, deeply connected to the northern agricultural plains.

More places

Zebra Mountains — Ruacana Hydroelectric Power Station (Namibia)
Zebra Mountains
A mountain range in the Kunene region.
Ombalantu Baobab Tree — Ruacana Hydroelectric Power Station (Namibia)
Ombalantu Baobab Tree
An ancient baobab tree with a hollow trunk that was used in the past as a post office, a chapel, and a refuge during wars.