Namibia has doubled its installed renewable energy capacity over the past five years and is increasingly sourcing its domestic electricity from clean energy, according to Deputy Prime minister and Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Natangwe Ithete
Speaking during his keynote address at the Parliamentary Green Investment Dialogue held in Walvis Bay, Ithete highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to drive the energy transition while linking it to national development goals.
“Namibia has doubled its installed renewable energy capacity over the past five years, now sourcing some of its domestic electricity from renewable sources,” he said.
“Projects such as the 30MW Omburu Solar Plant and the upcoming electrification of rural health facilities and schools using solar PV are examples of clean energy solutions meeting human development needs.”
Ithete said the country recently joined the Global Biofuels Alliance, reinforcing its commitment to reducing net carbon emissions and expanding its renewable energy portfolio.
He also pointed to the growth of green hydrogen as a key part of Namibia’s future energy mix, with large-scale projects underway in the Tsau //Khaeb National Park and other areas. These initiatives are being developed in partnership with international investors and are expected to utilise Namibia’s significant solar and wind resources for both domestic consumption and export.
“To ensure that our green transition is backed by innovative and blended financing, the Government of Namibia, in partnership with development partners, launched the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Namibia One investment platform,” he said.
The government has also introduced the Green Hydrogen Scholarship Programme to train Namibian youth in technical and professional skills required for the country’s clean energy future.
Ithete called on lawmakers to ensure that the benefits of green investment are inclusive and reach all parts of society.
“Namibia’s green energy journey is not just a climate strategy , it is a national development necessity. We are not waiting to act. We are building the infrastructure, partnerships, institutions, and ecosystems necessary to thrive in a carbon-constrained future,” he said.
He urged Parliament to help maintain a supportive policy and legislative environment to ensure that the jobs, infrastructure, skills and environmental gains from green investment benefit women, youth and rural communities in particular.
