In Namibia, the state of electricity consumption in 2023 features a heavy reliance on imported electricity, which makes up for more than half of the total consumption, specifically around 59%. Low-carbon or clean energy sources form the backbone of the locally generated electricity, accounting for close to 40%. Hydropower is the most significant contributor among these low-carbon sources, generating approximately 28% of the total electricity. Solar power contributes around 11%, making it a vital component of Namibia's clean energy mix. In summary, while Namibia showcases a commendable commitment to low-carbon electricity, the heavy dependency on net imports underscores a need for enhancing domestic electricity generation capabilities.
Data sources used on this page include Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Namibia?
Examining whether electricity consumption in Namibia is growing presents a rather sombre picture. The latest data reveals a decrease in electricity consumption to 1566 kWh per person from a previous high of 1873 kWh per person in 2014, marking a drop of 307 kWh per person. This decline is mirrored in the low-carbon electricity generation sector, where the recent figure stands at 624 kWh per person, down from a peak of 934 kWh per person in 1991, a reduction of 309 kWh per person. These statistics indicate a significant contraction in both overall consumption and the critical sector of low-carbon electricity, highlighting an urgent need for strategies to reverse this downward trend.
Suggestions
To boost low-carbon electricity generation in Namibia, the country could expand its solar energy capacity, considering its already significant contribution to the current electricity mix. Learning from regions like Nevada and Lebanon, where solar powers 33% and 31% of electricity generation respectively, could provide useful insights. Additionally, the introduction of nuclear energy could benefit from learning from countries such as France and Slovakia, where nuclear power provides over 66% of their electricity. Furthermore, incorporating wind energy, as seen in regions like Iowa, where wind accounts for 60% of their electricity, could offer a diversified approach to increasing low-carbon electricity in Namibia. Emulating these successful models could usher in an era of energy independence and environmental sustainability, reducing reliance on imports and cutting down greenhouse gas emissions.
History
Historically, Namibia's low-carbon electricity generation has experienced fluctuations, particularly in hydropower. During the mid to late 1990s, significant shifts were observed, with some years seeing declines, such as a drop of 0.3 TWh in 1994 and gains in others, such as a 0.5 TWh increase in 1995. The entry into the 21st century further exhibited variability, with increments in some years, including 0.2 TWh in 2000 and 0.3 TWh in 2005, followed by reductions like the 0.4 TWh decline in 2018. Notably, solar energy started contributing positively in 2019 with a 0.3 TWh increase. The mixed patterns of growth and retrenchment in hydropower emphasize the necessity of bolstering solar and potentially exploring nuclear for a more stable, reliable, and environmentally friendly electricity future in Namibia.
