The Puros Solar Mini-Grid project has successfully garnered a total investment of N$14 million, bolstered by a recent N$8 million contribution from Namibia’s Ministry of Industry, Mines, and Energy. This funding is part of a service-level agreement between the ministry and the Environmental Investment Fund (EIF) of Namibia.
Romeo Muyunda, a spokesperson for the EIF, highlighted that this investment is a crucial advancement in providing sustainable and affordable energy access in the Kunene Region. Initiated in 2024, the Puros project represents a collaboration between the EIF and the Northern Regional Electricity Distributor (NORED), with additional financial backing from the European Union through the Towards an Inclusive Design of the Renewable Energy Transition (TIDRET) project.
Construction on the solar grid commenced in January 2025, starting with an initial grant of N$6 million from the European Union. Since then, essential infrastructure has been established, including solar streetlights and a medium- to low-voltage distribution network. The project features a 300 kW solar mini-grid designed to supply electricity to 200 households, benefiting approximately 500 residents. Furthermore, it aims to support small businesses in the area, such as campsites, lodges, and shops.
Once operational, NORED will manage the solar plant and implement a social tariff model to ensure ongoing maintenance and operational sustainability. The TIDRET project is financed by the European Union’s Global Climate Change Alliance Plus (EU GCCA+) and the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, with implementation support from GIZ via the Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism’s Climate Change and Inclusive Use of Natural Resources (CCIU-EU) project.
Operating in the Otjozondjupa, Kunene, and Erongo regions, the TIDRET initiative promotes solar installations, maintenance, capacity building, and technical training for small and medium enterprises. Through the Puros project, TIDRET seeks to enhance energy access and stimulate economic development in underserved communities.
