Electricity in Namibia in 2023

As of 2023, Namibia's electricity consumption heavily relies on external sources, with over half of its electricity—59%—being imported from neighboring countries. This indicates a significant dependency on foreign energy suppliers. Within its domestic energy mix, low-carbon energy sources provide almost 40% of the electricity. Hydropower is the leading domestic source, contributing slightly more than a quarter of the total electricity at 28%, followed by solar energy, which accounts for almost 11%. The predominance of low-carbon energy indicates a commendable commitment to sustainable practices, though the reliance on imports highlights a crucial area for improvement in self-sufficiency.

Suggestions

To increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Namibia should focus on expanding its solar infrastructure, as solar energy is already a substantial contributor to its electricity generation. By scaling up this existing framework, Namibia can enhance its energy independence and sustainability. Additionally, examining the achievements of Lebanon, where solar accounts for 31% of electricity generation, could provide valuable insights into maximizing solar capacity. Although not a neighboring country, Lebanon's success in leveraging solar technology underscores the potential for significant expansion in regions with abundant sunlight. Furthermore, the progress made by Morocco, where wind energy supplies 21% of electricity, illustrates another pathway through which Namibia, endowed with similar climatic conditions, could diversify its low-carbon energy portfolio.

History

Historically, Namibia's journey in low-carbon electricity has been predominantly driven by hydropower. In the 1990s, fluctuations were evident, with some years witnessing declines, such as 1994 and 1996, while others like 1995 saw increases. The early 2000s saw a somewhat stable growth pattern, with increments and occasional decreases. In the last decade, there have been more consistent additions to the hydropower capacity, marked by increases in 2000, 2005, and recent years like 2020 and 2023. Solar energy made its marked entry in 2018, with a notable increment, reflecting Namibia's efforts to diversify its clean energy sources. This focus on varied low-carbon sources signals a progressive shift toward a more sustainable and self-reliant energy system.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Data Sources