Sustainable Power Solutions (SPS), in partnership with B2Gold Namibia, the Oelofse family and Fortitude, have commissioned Namibia’s first solar wheeling project under NamPower’s Modified Single Buyer (MSB) Programme, which allows private independent power producers (IPPs) to sell electricity directly to large customers using the national grid.

SPS funds, develops, and operates solar PV and battery storage projects, primarily in the commercial and industrial sector in sub-Saharan Africa.

The 10 MW Maxwell solar plant is located on Maxwell farm, about 50 km north of Otjiwarongo.

Power from the plant delivers renewable energy to B2Gold’s Otjikoto mine, 20 km away.

“The Maxwell solar plant is a big step forward in opening up access to Namibia’s grid,” says SPS co-founder and director Francois van Themaat.

“It proves that wheeling under the MSB Programme works, and shows how private producers and corporate offtakers can collaborate with NamPower to accelerate renewable-energy deployment.”

B2Gold, Namibia’s largest gold producer, has steadily increased its use of renewable energy use since 2015, when it relied entirely on heavy fuel oil.

Its 7 MW on-site solar plant, commissioned in 2018, previously supplied 13% of the mine’s power needs.

With the addition of Maxwell Solar, renewable energy will now supply a “meaningful” (unspecified) portion of the Otjikoto mine’s power needs.

“B2Gold’s ambition is to be Namibia’s leader in renewable-powered mining, while supporting our global target to reduce greenhouse-gas emissions by 30% by 2030,” notes B2Gold Namibia country manager John Roos.

“Partnering with SPS under the MSB framework gives us a cost-effective, low-carbon energy supply and demonstrates what is possible for the mining sector.”

The Oelofse family, who are the owners of Maxwell farm and co-investors in the project, brought the land to the initiative.

“For us, the Maxwell solar plant is more than energy,” says Alex Oelofse. “It aligns perfectly with our conservation efforts and our mission to keep Namibia green and sustainable for generations to come. This is proof that clean energy and environmental stewardship can thrive together.”

Fortitude played an advisory role as property developer, while also introducing SPS to B2Gold and the Oelofse family.

The power project was initiated before the MSB framework was finalised, requiring close collaboration with NamPower and Namibia’s Electricity Control Board to shape a workable model.

“The first project is always the hardest,” Van Themaat notes. “By proving wheeling works, Maxwell Solar opens the door to a new era of clean energy partnerships in Namibia and beyond.”

SPS says it took on an “unique risk” with a shorter than usual power purchase agreement of eight years, aligned with the Otjikoto mine’s approved life-of-mine, instead of the typical 20 to 25 years agreement.

“It was ambitious, but we believe in Namibia’s renewable future,” says Van Themaat.

Looking ahead, SPS plans to expand Maxwell Solar and incorporate battery storage.