As of 2023, Namibia's electricity consumption highlights a significant dependency on imported power, with net imports making up over half of the total electricity usage at approximately 59%. On the clean energy front, Namibia has made strides with low-carbon electricity sources accounting for nearly 40% of its total consumption. Hydropower remains the primary low-carbon source, contributing nearly 28% to the energy mix, while solar power, though lower, plays a vital role by supplying close to 11% of the country's electricity needs. This combination of hydropower and solar indicates Namibia's potential to further enhance its clean energy capacity, reducing reliance on fossil fuel imports and aligning with global low-carbon energy targets.
Data sources used on this page include Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Namibia?
Despite these promising clean energy figures, electricity consumption in Namibia has seen a decline in recent years. In 2023, the per capita electricity consumption stood at 1566 kWh, a decrease of 307 kWh from the 2014 record high of 1873 kWh. Likewise, low-carbon electricity production has diminished, with current output at 624 kWh per person, which is 309 kWh less than the peak in 1991. This decline in both overall and low-carbon electricity consumption is concerning, as it suggests a setback in growth at a time when expanding clean energy is crucial for sustainable development and combating climate change.
Suggestions
For Namibia to enhance its low-carbon electricity sector, expanding solar power generation is a logical step, given its established footprint in the country's energy landscape. Additionally, Namibia can look at successful regions for inspiration. For instance, states like Nevada and California have harnessed solar energy, producing 34% and 31% of their electricity from this source, respectively. Beyond solar, the global embrace of wind and nuclear energy also provides applicable models. Countries such as Denmark and states like Iowa lead in wind power generation, achieving up to 60% and 58% respectively. While Namibia may not have a significant nuclear capacity currently, observing nations like France and Slovakia, which generate over two-thirds of their electricity from nuclear power, could inform strategic expansions into this sector as a future possibility to achieve a robust, clean energy mix.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Namibia demonstrates fluctuations, particularly in hydroelectric generation. In the mid-1990s, hydropower saw significant flux with a notable decrease in some years, followed by occasional gains in others into the 2000s. The decade following 2010 saw a mix of slight increases and decreases, with 2020 marking a remarkable 0.6 TWh hike. More recently, Namibia has made moves into solar power, evident from the 0.3 TWh addition in 2019, showcasing an initial step toward diversifying its clean energy portfolio. While hydroelectric generation has seen variability, the introduction and growth of solar energy represent a promising shift towards a more sustainable electricity future, emphasizing the importance of continuing to build on these clean energy foundations.
