In 2023, electricity consumption in Namibia shows a significant reliance on net imports, which account for more than half of the total consumption at around 59%. This reliance highlights the urgent need for local and sustainable energy production to secure an independent energy future. Currently, low-carbon sources comprise nearly 40% of Namibia's electricity. Hydropower is the most significant contributor among the clean energy sources, generating approximately 28% of the electricity. Solar energy has also made significant inroads, accounting for about 11%. Together, these clean energy contributions play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions and ensuring a greener power grid.
Data sources used on this page include Ember and IEA. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Namibia?
Despite the growth in solar energy, Namibia's overall electricity consumption has not surpassed previous records. In 2023, the average consumption per person dropped to 1566 kWh from its peak in 2014 at 1873 kWh, a decrease of 307 kWh/person. Similarly, low-carbon electricity generation per person has also decreased when compared to its peak 1991 numbers, falling by 309 kWh/person. This indicates that Namibia is struggling to meet its past figures in terms of both total and low-carbon electricity consumption, which is concerning given the rising demand for sustainable energy solutions to enable further industry growth and electrification.
Suggestions
For Namibia to achieve growth in low-carbon electricity generation, an expansion in solar energy production, considering its current significant share, is a prudent strategy. Leveraging the abundant sunlight, as seen in other sun-rich regions like Nevada and California, where solar generation contributes more than 30% of electricity, could transform Namibia's energy landscape. Solar should be paired with exploring nuclear options, as seen in France and Slovakia, where nuclear power provides more than 65% of electricity—underscoring nuclear's potential as a reliable, low-carbon choice. By learning from these countries and investing in a mix of solar and nuclear technologies, Namibia can enhance its clean energy capacity to meet the future demands created by electrification and technological advancement.
History
Throughout the history of Namibia's low-carbon electricity generation, hydropower has seen fluctuations. The late 1990s experienced mixed changes, with some years witnessing declines and others increases, which continued variably through subsequent decades. For example, hydroelectric generation saw modest growth from 2005 until 2014 with intermittent declines. More recently, a positive trend occurred in 2020, with a 0.6 TWh increase, though it dropped the following year. In 2023, hydropower recovered slightly with a 0.5 TWh increase, complimented by solar energy's notable rise in 2019. The consistent variations in hydropower highlight the necessity for stable and reliable low-carbon alternatives, such as solar and potentially nuclear, to underpin Namibia's sustainable energy future.
