Namibia’s First Solar Wheeling Project Powers B2Gold Mine Through NamPower’s MSB Programme
Sustainable Power Solutions (SPS), in partnership with B2Gold Namibia, the Oelofse family, and Fortitude, has commissioned Namibia’s first solar wheeling project under NamPower’s Modified Single Buyer (MSB) Programme.
The initiative allows private independent power producers (IPPs) to sell electricity directly to large customers using the national grid.
The Maxwell Solar Plant
The 10 MW Maxwell Solar Plant, located on Maxwell Farm about 50 km north of Otjiwarongo, now delivers renewable electricity to B2Gold’s Otjikoto mine, situated 20 km away.
“This project is a big step forward in opening up access to Namibia’s grid,” said 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.”
Boosting Renewable Power at Otjikoto Mine
B2Gold, Namibia’s largest gold producer, has steadily expanded its renewable-energy use since 2015, when its operations relied entirely on heavy fuel oil. Its 7 MW on-site solar plant, commissioned in 2018, previously provided about 13% of the mine’s power needs.
With the addition of Maxwell Solar, renewable energy will now supply a significant share of the Otjikoto mine’s electricity.
“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,” said 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, owners of Maxwell Farm and co-investors in the project, contributed the land.
“For us, the Maxwell Solar Plant is more than energy,” said Alex Oelofse. “It aligns perfectly with our conservation efforts and our mission to keep Namibia green and sustainable for generations to come. This proves that clean energy and environmental stewardship can thrive together.”
Fortitude played an advisory role as property developer and helped connect SPS with B2Gold and the Oelofse family.
Pioneering Model and Future Plans
The Maxwell project began before the MSB framework was finalized, requiring close cooperation with NamPower and Namibia’s Electricity Control Board to design a workable model.
“The first project is always the hardest,” Van Themaat noted. “By proving wheeling works, Maxwell Solar opens the door to a new era of clean-energy partnerships in Namibia and beyond.”
SPS also took on an unusual risk by agreeing to a shorter eight-year power purchase agreement (PPA), aligned with Otjikoto’s life-of-mine, rather than the typical 20–25 years.
“It was ambitious, but we believe in Namibia’s renewable future,” Van Themaat said. Looking ahead, SPS plans to expand the plant and incorporate battery storage to further strengthen Namibia’s clean energy transition.
