Electricity in Namibia in 2022

In 2022, Namibia's electricity consumption was largely dependent on imported energy, with net imports accounting for more than half of the electricity supply at around 64%. Low-carbon energy sources contributed approximately a third of the electricity generation. Among these, hydropower took the lead, providing close to 21%, while solar power added about 13%. The share of fossil energy was minimal, with coal accounting for just above 1% of the electricity generation. This demonstrates Namibia's commitment to sustainable energy sources, though there remains significant reliance on imports to meet its electricity demand.

Suggestions

To enhance its low-carbon electricity generation, Namibia can focus on expanding existing solar infrastructure, seeing as solar energy already plays a significant role in the country's energy mix. Namibia can also draw lessons from countries like Uruguay, which relies on wind for around 33% of its electricity, showcasing the potential of integrating more wind energy into the mix. Similarly, Namibia could look towards countries with notable nuclear energy success, such as the United Arab Emirates and Romania, each generating about 20% of their electricity from nuclear sources. This could inspire Namibia to consider diversifying its energy portfolio by incorporating nuclear energy as a stable and substantial low-carbon energy source.

History

Reflecting on the history of low-carbon electricity in Namibia, the 1990s saw fluctuating hydropower contributions, with years of decline in 1993, 1994, and 1996, contrasted by growth in 1995 and 1998, indicating a somewhat variable reliance on hydroelectric sources. The new millennium showed moderate consistency, with increases in hydropower production in years like 2000 and 2005. Solar energy began to make its mark in 2018, contributing 0.2 TWh to the electricity generation. As the decade progressed, 2020 witnessed a notable boost in hydro generation by 0.6 TWh, although this was followed by decreases in 2021 and 2022. These historical trends emphasize the need for Namibia to pursue a balanced mix of low-carbon energy sources to ensure a stable and sustainable electricity supply for the future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources