Wind power agreement signed in Namibia

Speaking at the ceremony, Dr Gert Gunzel, PoN Vice-Rector: Administration and Finance, explained that the project, working in line with the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Institute (REEEI), is aimed at creating an accurate knowledge base of wind resources in the country through analysis and measurements.

"The wind resource knowledge derived from this project will ensure investment decisions by wind energy developers are quick and less rigorous, while policy makers will be able to make informed decisions, knowing for example what kind of energy technology is to be deployed where," said Gunzel.

According to Tim Ekandjo, MTC: Chief Human Resource and Corporate Affairs Officer, MTC agreed to allow the PoN to mount its measuring equipment on MTC’s telecommunications masts.

MTC sponsored a laptop and modem along with airtime to download data from measuring equipment onto the laptop. Among other things, MTC will supply, deliver installation and commissioning of the equipment to 16 MTC masts out of a total of 18 identified sites.

"This laptop is therefore the most important piece of technological equipment in Namibia, as it holds the answer to our future as an environmentally friendly country," he said.

According to Gunzel, the data collected can be made use of by farmers in planning their agricultural activities, while the scientific community may need weather and climate data, which includes climate change modelling, mitigation and adaptation.

"A knowledge-based economy encourages people, those active participants in the creation of knowledge and not merely consumers of knowledge," said Ekandjo. Ekandjo expressed hope that the use of renewable energy will provide opportunities for local business manufacturers to manufacture wind turbines, blades and generators.

"Renewable energy resources when properly developed cannot only mitigate climate, but have the potential to alleviate unemployment, increase energy security and create economic wealth," concluded Gunzel.

By Vimbai Karumazondo, www.newera.com.na/