NamPower Launches Procurement for Landmark 90 MWh Battery Storage Project in Namibia

Introduction

Namibia’s power utility, Namibia Power Corporation (NamPower), has officially launched the procurement process for the 45 MW / 90 MWh Lithops Battery Energy Storage System (BESS), marking a major milestone in the country’s energy transition. Backed by World Bank financing, the project is Namibia’s largest battery storage initiative to date and forms part of the broader Transmission Expansion and Energy Storage (TEES) program.

Project and Procurement Details

The Lithops BESS project will be developed in the Erongo Region, near Swakopmund, at the edge of Dorob National Park. It is designed to strengthen grid stability, support renewable energy integration, and improve power reliability.

• Project capacity - 45 MW / 90 MWh

• Procurement scope - Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC)

• Procurement stage - Initial Selection (qualification phase)

• Procurement method - World Bank–compliant international process

• Bid submission deadline - 13 February 2026 at 16:30 (Namibian Time)

The Initial Selection Document, issued on 21 November 2025, invites interested firms to submit qualifications. Shortlisted bidders will proceed to the Request for Proposal (RFP) stage. Applicants must meet stringent technical and financial criteria, including the provision of a performance bank guarantee.

Funding and Program Context

The Lithops project is financed under the World Bank–supported TEES programme, through Loan and Grant Nos. TF0C3910 and TF0C3911. It forms part of a USD 138.5 million investment package approved in May 2024, aimed at modernising Namibia’s transmission network and expanding grid-scale energy storage.

Strategic Significance

Namibia has rapidly expanded its solar generation capacity, increasing the need for large-scale storage to manage intermittency. The Lithops BESS follows the country’s first grid-scale battery project, the Omburu 51 MW / 51 MWh BESS at the Omburu Substation, which is currently under construction and scheduled for completion in 2026.

Once operational, the Lithops facility is expected to enhance grid flexibility, reduce reliance on power imports, and support Namibia’s long-term renewable energy and decarbonisation goals.

Conclusion

With procurement now underway, the Lithops BESS project positions Namibia among the leading African markets investing in utility-scale battery storage. The upcoming tender stages are expected to attract strong international interest, reinforcing the strategic role of World Bank-backed government procurement in advancing resilient and sustainable energy infrastructure.

#NamibiaEnergyProjects #NamPower #BatteryEnergyStorage #BESSAfrica #RenewableEnergyNamibia #WorldBankProjects #EnergyInfrastructureAfrica #GovernmentProcurementNamibia #CleanEnergyStorage #PowerSectorNews