Electricity in Namibia in 2022

In 2022, Namibia's electricity consumption was characterized by a notable dependence on imports and a significant contribution from low-carbon sources. The country imported roughly 2.45 TWh of its electricity, a substantial portion of its total consumption. Low-carbon electricity generation, primarily from solar and hydro sources, amounted to about 1.3 TWh. This means more than half of Namibia's electricity needs were met through low-carbon sources or imports. Given that the global average electricity consumption is 432 watts per person, Namibia's relatively low domestic production of clean electricity could have ramifications, including limited energy accessibility, slowed economic growth, and reliance on external sources, which might not always be sustainable or cost-effective.

Suggestions

To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Namibia should consider expanding its existing solar energy capacity, which already contributes considerably to the country's electricity mix. Learning from successful examples can provide a pathway for growth. For instance, the People's Republic of China, which generated 584 TWh from solar, has demonstrated significant strides in solar energy development. Similarly, India generated 113 TWh from solar and 82 TWh from wind, showcasing the potential for clean energy in developing countries with similar climates and economic conditions. By investing in these green technologies, Namibia can reduce its dependence on imported electricity and fossil fuels, mitigating climate change impacts and improving air quality.

History

Historically, Namibia's low-carbon electricity generation has shown variability, predominantly in hydro energy. During the mid-1990s, there were fluctuations, with both increases and declines in hydroelectricity production. For instance, there was a notable increase of 0.5 TWh in 1995 but declines in surrounding years. The early 2000s saw minor increases and decreases, with a significant uptick in 2005. In the 2010s, the fluctuations continued, but the introduction of solar energy in 2018 marked a pivotal development, adding 0.2 TWh that year. By 2020, hydro generation saw a remarkable rise of 0.6 TWh, despite subsequent declines in the following years. This historical data underscores the need for Namibia to stabilize and diversify its low-carbon energy portfolio, particularly through solar and potentially other clean sources, to ensure more reliable and sustainable energy production.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources