Namibia and Angola have eventually inked deal to embark on construction of the cross-border Baynes hydroelectric power plant, by September this year. This was made known during a bilateral meeting which was conducted on June 3, 2015 by Namibia’s Mines and Energy Minister, Tom Alweendo and his Angolan counterpart, Joã Baptista Borges, the Minister of Energy and Water. It represents the great step forward toward further development of regional cooperation in the field of energy as well as improvement of cross-border power infrastructure.
Capacity
This new generation hydroelectric power plant called Baynes has a planned installed capacity of 88 MW upon completion and is proposed to be constructed on the Lower Kunene River that divides Namibia and Angola. There are indications that this plant will be useful for the energy demand of both nations; the generated electricity will be shared through the Namibia Angola Transmission Interconnection system. The project is believed to cost around $1. This would be offered under a new and innovative public financing model that will cost $3 billion. This has reinforced the aspect of cooperation between the two governments in ensuring the achievement of the power plant project as planned and scheduled.
During the announcement, Borges highlighted the fact that obtaining deserves a good financing condition. He said: “If it is spoken about public funding, we have one year to attract sources of financing under favorable conditions for immediate furthering of this work. ” Such statement reflects the expediency and commitment of both countries towards the rapid progress of the project.
Scope
Baynes hydroelectric power plant contains more than merely being an energy project; it denotes a new energy landmark in the region. With hydro power from the Kunene River the plant will come large generation capacity to support industrial and economic transformation of Namibia and Angola. Moreover, the project will have more comprehensive benefits on the general Southern African community through the advancement of sustainable energy use and diminished utilization of non-renewable energy sources.
This particular endeavour of Namibia and Angola is another example of integration and cooperation of the two countries in line with regionalism within the energy sector. Both countries have realized importance and advantages of cooperation in the field of solving their energy problems, the construction of the hydroelectric power plant Baynes has become the result of the then strategical vision of the states concerning the development of the efficient and ecologically safe sources of electric power.
Besides the direct outcomes, the Baynes project appears well equipped to bring various prospects for the development of local populations. The construction of the plant and its subsequent generation of power are tipped to create employment opportunities, increase incomes within the local communities, and supply energy that can usher in development across different spheres of the economy such as agriculture, industries, and the services industry.
In general, the construction of the Baynes hydroelectric power plant will create a major source within the region for increasing interconnection between Namibia and Angola whilst contributing to the development of the Southern African region. By undertaking this project, both the countries are proving that they are more inclined towards a joint progressive strategy, which shows their seriousness towards energy and economic stability.
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