Renewable Energy
Solar Energy for Lodges and Camps in Namibia
Energy Management
Energy Efficiency Initiatives
We are committed to creating a sustainable and eco-friendly environment for our guests and the planet. Our energy efficiency initiatives are designed to reduce our carbon footprint while providing you with a comfortable and memorable stay.
We closely monitor electricity consumption at our lodges. Each lodge reports its daily electricity usage and generator readings to an online, live and interactive platform, so potential faults or excess usage can be detected and addressed promptly. Our standard for lighting across all properties is energy-efficient options such as LED bulbs, daylight-switching and motion-sensor lights, alongside low-energy equipment like heat pumps instead of conventional geysers.
At our properties, rooms are fitted with eco-friendly and energy-efficient appliances that deliver high performance with low energy consumption. From refrigerators to air conditioning units, we choose appliances that support our sustainability goals and minimise our environmental impact.
Solar Power
Our Commitment to Green Energy and Efficiency
With Namibia’s abundant sunshine, Gondwana Collection Namibia has harnessed solar energy to power its lodges, contributing to a more sustainable future for the tourism industry. To date, 85% of our lodges are equipped with solar panels, six properties run entirely on solar power, and 53% of the energy produced at our lodges comes from the sun.
Since 2018, Gondwana has equipped its lodges with solar infrastructure in partnership with SolarSaver – the only exception being Zambezi Mubala Camp.
Solar has allowed Gondwana to mitigate the unreliable energy supply from the national grid operated by NamPower, and to cushion itself from increases in NamPower tariffs. Excess power generated by the lodges is fed into the national grid, contributing to the overall energy mix.
The urban hotels, The Weinberg Windhoek and The Delight Swakopmund, have also embraced green energy. While both rely on grid power, The Delight uses solar panels to supplement its hot water supply, further reducing its environmental impact.
Since the SolarSaver plants were installed, Gondwana has saved over N$4.13 million (2022: N$2.98 million) – proof of the long-term viability of renewable energy. Our goal remains to supply most of our energy from our own solar generation, further reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
In partnership with SolarSaver, we monitor solar production and usage at every lodge, including our environmental impact – the carbon dioxide, oil barrels and trees saved by opting for solar power. We are also exploring innovative solutions like green hydrogen and other green energy sources, propelling progress toward Sustainable Development Goal 7: Affordable and Clean Energy.
Measured Impact
More guests, less energy per guest
12kWh
Energy used per person per day in 2022 and 2023, down from 15 kWh in 2021
Gondwana’s total energy usage has risen steadily with the growth of its operations – from 3,071,117 kWh in 2021 to 3,694,802 kWh in 2022 and 4,143,248 kWh in 2023, with a target of 4,200,000 kWh for 2024.
Over the same period, energy used per person per day fell from 15 kWh to 12 kWh, with a target of 10 kWh for 2024. That reduction shows our commitment to optimising energy consumption while welcoming more visitors.
Solar in Numbers
What the Namibian sun delivers
Solar production at our lodges has grown every year – and so have the savings in oil, carbon and trees.
Solar energy production
The production of solar energy has been a key focus for Gondwana. In 2021 our lodges generated 1,913 MWh of solar energy, rising to 2,061 MWh in 2022 and 2,131 MWh in 2023, with a target of 2,200 MWh for 2024.
Every megawatt-hour the sun provides is one that doesn’t come from fossil fuels – reducing our carbon footprint and our operating costs at the same time.
- 2021 1,913 MWh
- 2022 2,061 MWh
- 2023 2,131 MWh
- 2024 target 2,200 MWh
What solar saved in 2023
- 2,195tonnes of CO₂ – up from 1,970 tonnes in 2021
- 1,280barrels of oil – up from 1,149 barrels in 2021
- 5,859trees saved – up from 5,216 trees in 2021
- N$1.15million in energy costs – with a target of N$1.2 million for 2024
2023 figures are projections as published; 2024 targets are 2,300 tonnes of CO₂, 1,400 barrels of oil and 6,200 trees.
Strategic objectives, aligned with the UN SDGs
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Emissions
Limit and reduce greenhouse gas emissions
Every lodge running on solar reduces our reliance on fossil fuels and our carbon footprint.
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Efficiency
Optimise electricity usage
Live monitoring, energy-efficient appliances and continuous improvement across our operations.
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Renewables
Maximise supply from renewable sources
We set out to source 50% of lodge energy from solar by 2021, rising to 80% by 2023.
Success measured not just in financial terms, but in our positive impact on the planet and local communities.
Eco-Friendly Hospitality
Leading the way in eco-friendly hospitality
Our commitment to sustainability shows in the eco-friendly appliances at all our lodges, where energy-efficient settings are standard – a sign of our lodge teams’ understanding of, and dedication to, eco-practices.
Energy efficiency as standard
Energy-efficient LED bulbs light our guest rooms, communal areas, kitchens and laundries, and our eco-friendly appliances include microwaves, washing machines and tumble dryers – maximising their benefits while minimising consumption in our most energy-hungry operations.
Innovative cooling
Walk-in cooler rooms and freezers have strictly regulated access and reminder signs to keep doors closed, holding temperatures steady. Some lodges use traditional cooler rooms, like wine cellars: thick, spaced brick walls packed with insulation such as charcoal or newspaper. At Chobe River Camp, water trickles down the outer walls into the insulation, and the airflow through the bricks cools the room inside.
Innovative Solutions
New energy-efficient technology introduced across our properties from 2023.
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Palmwag Lodge & Camp
Hybrid solar heat pumps
At Palmwag Lodge and Camp, old electrical geysers are being replaced with hybrid solar-powered heat pumps.
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Palmwag Lodge & Camp
Centralised solar hot water
A centralised, solar-powered hot water supply system serves the new employee bathrooms.
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Across our lodges
Energy-saving ice machines
Energy-saving ice-making machines optimise functionality and energy use in our kitchens and bars.
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Across our lodges
Air conditioner cleaning system
A dedicated cleaning system keeps air conditioners running efficiently, using less energy for the same comfort.
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Peak hours
Less reliance on the grid
Additional solar infrastructure and optimised energy management reduce our reliance on NamPower during peak hospitality hours.
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Looking ahead
Green hydrogen and beyond
We are exploring green hydrogen and other green energy sources to further enhance our sustainability efforts.
Setting a benchmark
Gondwana Collection Namibia’s commitment to green energy and energy efficiency sets a benchmark for the tourism industry in Namibia. By embracing renewable energy, we reduce our environmental footprint and generate savings that can be reinvested into our operations and community development initiatives.
As we continue to introduce new energy-efficient technologies, we aim to show that tourism can lead the way in sustainable practice – contributing to a greener, more prosperous Namibia where tourism and conservation coexist for the benefit of all.
Gallery
Energy Management Map
Solar installations and energy initiatives at Gondwana lodges across Namibia.
