In 2023, Namibia's electricity consumption demonstrates a strong reliance on imports and varying contributions from low-carbon energy sources. Over half of Namibia's electricity—about 59%—is imported, indicating a significant dependency on external electricity. When it comes to local energy production, almost 40% originates from low-carbon sources. Among these, hydropower is the major contributor, providing around 28% of the nation's electricity. Solar energy plays a smaller but crucial role, supplying approximately 11% of the total electricity consumed. The preference for low-carbon sources is a crucial step towards sustainable energy development, though the high dependency on imports presents a potential vulnerability for Namibia's energy security.
Is Electricity Growing in Namibia?
The current state of electricity consumption in Namibia indicates a concerning trend of decline when compared with previous highs. In 2023, the total electricity consumption per person stands at 1,566 kWh, having decreased significantly by 307 kWh from the 2014 peak. The setbacks are not limited to overall consumption; clean energy production per capita has also experienced a downturn, declining by 309 kWh since the historic peak in 1991, from 934 kWh to the current 624 kWh. These figures suggest that Namibia's electricity sector, instead of expanding to meet increasing modern demands, is facing challenges that inhibit growth. It is crucial for Namibia to reverse this decline and refocus efforts on increasing both electricity consumption and clean energy generation.
Suggestions
To enhance low-carbon electricity generation, Namibia could significantly expand its solar energy capacity, given its proven viability and potential in the region. Drawing inspiration from other countries could prove beneficial. For example, Lebanon, a sunny nation, generates approximately 31% of its electricity from solar, demonstrating the impact solar expansion can have. Countries reliant on one kind of energy have shown great success by adopting nuclear power, like France with 68% of its electricity coming from nuclear sources. Namibia seems well positioned for boosting its low-carbon electricity transition by both expanding solar infrastructure and evaluating other potential innovations, such as embracing nuclear, to fortify its energy independence while avoiding the adverse effects of fossil fuels.
History
Analyzing Namibia's low-carbon electricity history reveals variable progress, with hydropower frequently fluctuating and solar making recent but meaningful strides. The mid-1990s and early 2000s saw some shifts, generally small, with slight increases and decreases in hydropower electricity generation, reflecting a somewhat unstable pattern without consistent growth. The late 2010s show a promising trend where solar energy began contributing positively to the mix, marked by a small increase in 2018. The hydraulic challenges, including declines in hydropower noted in years like 2018 and 2021, contrast with recent recoveries, such as the 0.5 terawatt-hour growth in 2023. Enhancing the resilience of Namibia’s energy profile through a balanced and ongoing commitment to solar and additional low-carbon sources is key to achieving a robust, sustainable electricity future.
Electrification
We estimate the degree of electrification by comparing electricity and total energy emissions. More about methodology.