Namibia takes lead to build solar power plants

Global Business

One thing Africa’s not short of is sunshine, but the continent’s been slow to harness solar power. The south western country of Namibia is hoping to take a lead. CCTV America’s Maria Galang reports.

One of the world’s oldest deserts is now the chosen location for one of Africa’s newest energy ventures.

A giant solar power plant that is slated to be the continent’s largest is about to begin in construction.

It will cost a $250 million to build. When it’s finished late next year, it will be able to supply 26 percent of Namibia’s power needs, stretching into southern Africa as well.

Many private companies in Namibia already run on solar power.

The initial investment can be daunting. That’s one reason solar power has been slow to take off in Africa.

For the energy saving, environment and economic reasons, the long term benefits are big too.

Namibia may have been slow off the mark with solar power, but it’s picking up pace, aiming to set a shining example for the rest of Africa to follow.

The market for solar panels has been beset by oversupply in recent years, but new research by Bloomberg’s New Energy Finance has found there’s now a shortage. For more, we spoke with lead solar analyst Jenny Chase.