In Namibia, as of 2023, electricity consumption is primarily supported through a mix of net imports and domestic generation. More than half of the electricity, about 59%, is imported from neighboring countries, which indicates a reliance on external sources. Low-carbon energy sources produce close to 40% of the country's electricity, showcasing an encouraging shift towards cleaner power. Within this low-carbon category, hydropower dominates the landscape, contributing around 28%. Solar energy accounts for almost 11% of the electric generation, reflecting the growing importance of solar technologies in Namibia's energy mix. However, the substantial dependence on imports emphasizes the need for a stronger domestic capacity to enhance energy sovereignty.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Namibia?
Despite these efforts, electricity consumption in Namibia has been on a downward trend when comparing current figures to historical records. The latest consumption data shows about 1566 kWh per person, which is a decrease of over 300 kWh per person compared to the all-time high recorded in 2014. Likewise, low-carbon electricity generation, although pivotal, has decreased from its peak in 1991, where production was 934 kWh per person, falling by over 300 kWh per person. This decline in both overall and low-carbon electricity generation is concerning, especially as global trends push for increased electrification to support advancements in sectors such as transportation and manufacturing.
Suggestions
To bolster low-carbon electricity generation, Namibia can focus on expanding its solar energy capacity. Given the successful contributions of solar power in other regions, particularly Lebanon with a 31% solar share, Cyprus and Hungary each around 23%, and Nevada at 30%, Namibia can look to enhance its solar capabilities further. Coupling this with learning from countries like France and Slovakia, which heavily utilize nuclear power, Namibia could explore the potential of integrating nuclear energy into its energy portfolio. Similarly, adopting wind energy, as seen in South Dakota and Uruguay, might provide robust support to Namibia’s energy goals. Integrating these insights could dramatically improve Namibia's clean energy footprint while reducing its reliance on imports and fossil fuels.
History
The history of low-carbon electricity in Namibia outlines a fluctuating journey primarily driven by hydropower, supplemented by solar energy in recent times. The early 1990s saw a series of declines in hydro generation, with 1994 experiencing a drop of 0.3 TWh. However, the late 1990s saw positive contributions with minor increments balancing previous reductions. The early 2000s marked a stabilization phase with steady growth, noted by incremental increases in hydropower. The 2010s continued this mixed trend with both gains and dips, but the emergence of solar energy in 2019 provided a positive boost of 0.3 TWh. Into the 2020s, the variations persisted; yet, 2023 saw a noteworthy rise of 0.5 TWh in hydro again. This historical lens reflects both the challenges and the potential for expanding low-carbon technologies to secure a more sustainable and self-reliant energy future for Namibia.
