Energy – Windhoek Observer

08 Oct

Oil bill faces scrutiny over royalty safeguards …as MPs question transfer of powers to President

Energy, Main, National News

Patience Makwele Members of parliament have questioned whether the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Amendment Bill provides sufficient safeguards for state revenue as it proposes transferring several powers from the minister of industries, mines and energy to the President. The debate centred on the proposed establishment of an Upstream Petroleum Unit (UPU) in the Office of the President and changes to powers over royalties, petroleum licences, local content and environmental obligations. Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) Chief Whip Winnie Moongo said the proposed amendment to Section 63 of the Petroleum (Exploration and Production) Act raised financial concerns because the current law requires…

21 Aug

Jet fuel disruption exposes risks in single-supplier model

Energy, Main, National News

CHAMWE KAIRA The current disruption affecting jet fuel supplies has highlighted concerns within the industry over Namibia’s reliance on a single-supplier model for petroleum products, with industry sources warning that the arrangement could expose the country to broader energy security risks when contamination or other supply chain disruptions occur. According to industry sources, the latest jet fuel issue illustrates the vulnerability created when there is no diversified supplier structure capable of providing an alternative source of fuel in the event of a product contamination, logistical disruption or other supply chain risk. The sources said the risk extends beyond jet fuel…

28 Jul

Govt races to close oil and gas skills gap

Energy, National News

Patience Makwele The government has accelerated efforts to equip Namibians with technical skills needed for the country’s emerging oil and gas industry, warning that the sector’s employment opportunities could be lost to foreign workers if local capacity is not developed in time. Presidential special advisor and head of the upstream petroleum unit in the office of the President, Kornelia Shilunga, said expanding vocational training programmes is critical to ensuring Namibians are ready to take up jobs expected to be created as oil and gas exploration progresses. Speaking during a visit to the Keetmanshoop Vocational Training Centre on Monday, Shilunga welcomed…

13 Jul

Amutse suspends NaCC conditions in Nasan merger review

Energy, National News

Allexer Namundjembo Minister of industries, mines and energy Modestus Amutse has confirmed the approval of the merger between Nasan Energies (Pty) Ltd and the divestiture business previously operated by Vivo Energy Ltd and Engen Namibia (Pty) Ltd, while suspending the enforcement of several conditions imposed by the Namibia Competition Commission (NaCC). The decision, published in Government Gazette No. 8969, Government Notice No. 235 of 3 July 2026, follows a review application lodged by Nasan Energies in April seeking reconsideration of specific conditions attached to the merger approval. The merger originated from a competition remedy process after Vivo Energy Namibia acquired…

02 Jul

Govt cuts fuel prices, unveils import overhaul after N$1.3bn relief bill

Energy, National News

Patience Makwele The government has reduced fuel prices for July and announced a major overhaul of Namibia’s fuel procurement system after spending N$1.3 billion cushioning motorists against soaring international oil prices. This was announced by the minister of industries, mines and energy Modestus Amutse on Wednesday during an information sharing session in Windhoek. The minister revealed that the price of petrol will decrease by N$1.00 per litre, while diesel 50ppm and diesel 10ppm will each drop by N$4.00 per litre, effective from midnight on 3 July. The reductions bring the Walvis Bay pump price of petrol to N$22.48 per litre,…

08 Jun

Govt eyes national EV charging network

Energy, National News

Patience Makwele The Ministry of Works and Transport on Thursday launched a pilot electric vehicle (EV) charging station at its headquarters in Windhoek, a move the government says could pave the way for a nationwide charging network as Namibia prepares for increased adoption of electric vehicles. Works and transport minister Veikko Nekundi announced the initiative in the National Assembly on Thursday, describing it as a strategic pilot project that will help determine the feasibility of expanding EV charging infrastructure across the country. The charging station, which was developed by the ministry's in-house engineers, will initially be available to government employees…

13 Apr

Why oil & gas conferences still matter – Even in a turbulent market

Energy, Opinions

Fernando Y. G. Sylvester,CEO, Lamda Energy This year has been a stark reminder that energy markets are unpredictable, volatile, and deeply interconnected with geopolitics, macroeconomics, and human behaviour. As I prepare to moderate two panels at the Namibian International Energy Conference (NIEC2026) here in Windhoek, I keep hearing a familiar question: Why do oil and gas conferences still matter? In an era of digital communication, instant deal-making tools, and Zoom rooms everywhere, are we really still gaining value by gathering in person? The short answer is yes. But the long answer, the one shaped by 17 years working across the…

08 Apr

Amutse wants electricity for all by 2028

Energy, National News

Patience Makwele The minister of industries, mines and energy, Modestus Amutse, has called on regional electricity distributors to make electricity reliable, affordable and accessible to all Namibians by 2028. Amutse made the remarks on Tuesday during a meeting with board members and senior management of the Northern Regional Electricity Distributor (Nored) in Ondangwa. The meeting followed complaints from communities about high tariffs, connection costs and service delivery. “Electricity is not a luxury. It is a necessity,” Amutse said. He said access remains uneven, with affordability limiting access for many households. “If we are talking about accessibility, we are not talking…

28 Jan

Why partnerships matter in the clean energy journey

Energy, Opinions

Gift Kandukira Each year on 26 January, the International Day of Clean Energy reminds the world that the energy transition is not optional; it is foundational to development, resilience and competitiveness. For Namibia, energy is the backbone of household wellbeing, economic growth and industrial productivity. It also speaks directly to SDG7: universal access to affordable, reliable and modern energy services, a growing share of renewables, and faster energy-efficiency gains. Clean energy is not a peripheral sustainability initiative; it is an operational necessity and a national responsibility. Yet the transition to cleaner energy is not achieved through a single project or…

07 Dec

NNN says Amutse is the ‘right man’ for mines and energy ministry

Energy, Uncategorised

Justicia Shipena President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah says Modestus Amutse’s leadership record at regional level strengthens the experience he brings to his new role as minister of industries, mines and energy. Amutse’s appointment took effect on 2 December 2025. According to Nandi-Ndaitwah, Amutse's background positions him well to “administer and execute the functions of the government” at a critical time for the country. She said the appointment follows the recent regional and local authority elections, where Namibians reaffirmed their trust in Swapo. She said the eighth administration is focused on quality service delivery, accountability and the implementation of national priorities. “This appointment…