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The first phase of construction work on the 25-megawatt (MW) photovoltaic power plant built in Caraculo, south-western Namibe Province, has been fully concluded and due to undergo tests.
Scheduled to start operating in the first quarter of 2023, the power plant, which is expected to be operational for 25 years, cost 42 million US dollars to install 46,000 panels and an operations building, amongst other services.
The project, which will have 50 megawatts after completion of the second and final phase, began in June 2022, employing 230 local people.
It also includes installation of water systems in Caraculo to boost agriculture, watering livestock and for human consumption.
The governor of Namibe, Archer Mangueira, who had just verified the progress of the works, said he was pleased with the result of the project.
“We’re going to intervene with the ministerial departments that have the competence to deal with these procedures, so that, as soon as the tests are done and they are concluded, the technical teams will work with all the equipment for inauguration”, the governor explained.
Archer Mangueira said he believes that the entry into operation of this photovoltaic plant will help reduce the consumption of diesel for thermal power plants to operate, which are the main energy equipment that provide power to Namibe Province.
Over 10,000 people live in Caraculo, most of them small farmers and bovine cattle and goats breeders.
