By:Gjepc

Namdeb, the 50:50 diamond mining joint venture between De Beers Group and the Government of Namibia, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Namibia’s national power utility, NamPower, to collaborate on integrating renewable energy into its mining operations and the national grid.

The agreement centres on a 34MW Wind Power Plant being developed by Namdeb at Kerbehuk, about 45km north of Oranjemund. Namdeb will be the sole off-taker of the electricity generated, but the MoU opens the possibility of expanding the project to feed into the NamPower grid.

Riaan Burger, CEO of Namdeb, emphasised the strategic importance of the initiative: “This MoU signifies more than a partnership; it is a statement of intent to power progress – responsibly and sustainably. Our focus on climate is backed by tangible actions.” He noted the introduction of Namibia’s first battery-electric bus in 2023 as part of Namdeb’s broader goal to electrify its fleet with renewable energy.

“The Kerbehuk Wind Facility is a key milestone in this journey, with the potential to supply nearly half of our electricity needs. Moreover, we are proud that this collaboration with NamPower not only supports our operational goals but also strengthens Namibia’s energy independence and climate resilience.”

Al Cook, CEO of De Beers Group, stated: “Today’s consumers want to know that the diamonds they wear are sustainable. This Memorandum of Understanding with NamPower is a major step towards our ‘Building Forever’ ambition to become carbon neutral. Namibia is already at the forefront of Africa’s energy transition, and I am delighted that the new wind farm would bring clean power not just to our own operations but to communities across the country.”