Wind Energy Milestone: InnoVent Diaz Wind Farm Moves to the Assembly Phase
Namibia’s renewable energy ambitions took a significant leap forward this week as the first three wind turbine blades for the InnoVent Diaz Wind Farm Project were successfully offloaded and transported to the construction site near Kolmannskuppe. This marks a major milestone in the country’s transition towards a sustainable energy future.
The shipment, which departed from China in January, includes crucial components such as blades, hubs, rotors and nacelles. These will facilitate the move into the turbine assembly phase, paving the way for the project’s completion.
“Yesterday was truly historic and significant, as the first three wind turbine blades for the InnoVent Diaz Wind Farm Project were offloaded and transported to the site near Kolmannskuppe,” stated Lüderitz Mayor Phillipus Balhao.
The Diaz Wind Farm, set to feature 11 turbines with a total installed capacity of 44 megawatts (MW), is scheduled for commissioning in July 2025. The site benefits from exceptional wind conditions, with an estimated 5,000 hours of full production anticipated annually.
InnoVent, which acquired the project in 2022, is building on its previous success, having already established Namibia’s first wind farm, Ombepo, and three solar power plants. As of 2023, the company operates a total renewable energy capacity of 26 MW, generating approximately 76,500 megawatt-hours (MWh) of electricity each year. The Diaz Wind Farm is expected to make a substantial contribution to Namibia’s green energy landscape, further cementing the country’s leadership in renewable energy in Southern Africa.
Lithium Exports: Andrada Mining’s Uis Mine Sends Bulk Sample to Japan
Namibia’s lithium sector saw further development this week as Andrada Mining confirmed that a four‐tonne bulk sample of lithium concentrate from its Uis Mine is en route to Japan for test work by a potential off‐taker.
Petalite, a lithium‐containing mineral, is highly sought after in battery technology and various industrial applications. The latest shipment marks another step in Andrada’s efforts to secure supply agreements with international partners.
“We’re thrilled to share a milestone in Andrada’s lithium journey! Another four‐tonne bulk sample of petalite concentrate from our Uis Mine will depart Walvis Bay for Japan. This shipment is for test work by a potential off‐taker, marking another positive step towards securing a supply agreement,” Andrada Mining announced.
The shipment follows the company’s recent successful funding agreement, securing N$48 million (US$2.5 million) from LC Abelheim Limited to construct a second tin processing jig plant at Uis. The new facility will allow Andrada to scale up operations while maintaining ongoing mining activities, supporting increased tantalum and lithium revenues.
Green Iron Production: HyIron’s Iron Plant Nears Completion
HyIron, a leading green iron developer, has completed construction of its iron production plant and is set to begin operations by the end of February 2025.
According to project engineer Kelvine Amukwaya, the project, which commenced in mid-2023, has now reached the commissioning phase.
“We are currently in the commissioning phase and expect the plant to be fully operational by the end of this month. The main challenges during construction were logistical issues related to transporting machinery and the harsh construction environment,” Amukwaya stated.
HyIron has already secured a long-term off‐take agreement with German steel manufacturer Benteler, which will receive 200,000 tonnes of direct reduced iron (DRI) annually.
The facility will be powered entirely by renewable energy, featuring a 12MW electrolyser—the largest in Southern Africa—capable of producing 15,000 tonnes of DRI each year in its first phase. A second phase, set for 2026, will scale up production to 200,000 tonnes per year, requiring a substantial expansion of solar power and battery storage capacity.
During its construction, HyIron employed over 400 workers and partnered with 60 local companies, injecting over N$90 million into Namibia’s economy. The company ensured that 17% of the project’s value remained within the country, thereby supporting local industry and job creation.
Uranium Exploration: Snow Lake Energy’s Engo Valley Project Advances
Canadian-listed Snow Lake Energy has wrapped up its Phase 1 drill programme at the Engo Valley Uranium Project, confirming significant uranium mineralisation and setting the stage for an ambitious 7,500-metre Phase 2 drilling campaign.
The company announced that Phase 1 drilling covered 1,570 metres across 20 reverse circulation (RC) drill holes, with 11 holes yielding mineralised intersections exceeding 100 ppm eU₃O₈. These results confirm historical uranium discoveries made at Engo Valley in the 1970s.
“We are thrilled by the success of our Phase 1 drill programme, which has validated the uranium mineralisation discovered in the 1970s. These results confirm our confidence in the project’s potential and give us the momentum to launch an expansive Phase 2 programme,” said CEO Frank Wheatley.
Phase 2 drilling, commencing in March 2025, will further refine the project’s resource potential and contribute to a maiden uranium resource estimate under SK-1300 standards. Snow Lake Energy has secured over C$30 million in cash and equivalents from recent equity financings, ensuring sufficient capital to complete Phase 2 exploration and future resource assessments.
With global uranium demand surging amid rising interest in nuclear energy, Snow Lake sees a strategic opportunity to establish itself as a key supplier. The company has also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Exodys Energy, reinforcing its commitment to securing a reliable uranium supply.
“The demand for uranium is surging as countries accelerate clean energy initiatives, and Snow Lake is positioned to capitalise on this opportunity,” Wheatley noted.
Snow Lake Energy, listed on NASDAQ (LITM), is focused on mineral exploration, with assets in Namibia’s Skeleton Coast and Canada’s Athabasca Basin.
Conclusion
Namibia’s renewable energy sector is making remarkable strides – from wind energy expansion and lithium exports to groundbreaking green iron production and uranium exploration. These developments underscore the country’s commitment to clean energy and resource sustainability, reinforcing its growing status as a regional leader in renewable energy innovation and investment.
Written by Ian Coffee, Branch Manager, IBN Immigration Solutions Namibia
Edited by Simon Carletti, PR and Creative Supervisor
