The Namibian government will partially fund a solar tower dubbed “Greentower” that will be constructed from reinforced concrete and ultimately generate 400 MW of electrical power using technology developed specifically for high-rise buildings.
The estimated cost for the mega solar tower is R1 billion. It has been reported that the Namibian government will fund 50% of the prefeasibility study if the balance of funding is secured from private equity.
Upon completion, Greentower will be 1.5 km high and 280 meters in diameter and will qualify for carbon credits under the Kyoto Protocol. Not only will the project qualify for carbon credits but it will also incorporate a 37 sq km greenhouse, in which cash crops can be grown. The greenhouse will be used to develop soil humus to transform barren land to fertile soil that retains moisture and nutrients to enable rapid plant propagation.
Several thermodynamics, civil structure, wind loading, and power generation experts have developed an executive summary for a study in addition to a bankable feasibility study for the project.