Energy

New substation project set to power economic growth

New substation project set to power economic growth

Niël Terblanché In a significant development for the energy infrastructure of Namibia’s coastal region, NamPower’s Managing Director, Kahenge Haulofu, announced the construction of a state-of-the-art indoor substation with a capacity of 132/66/33kV. This essential project is set to be located just outside Swakopmund. The introduction of this new substation is poised to be a game-changer, bolstering the bulk electricity supply to towns and industry along the coast It’s a crucial step to meet the escalating electricity demands, driven by the rapid socio-economic growth in the Erongo region. “The Sekelduin substation holds a prominent place among several vital transmission capital projects…
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New GH2 legislative framework on the cards

New GH2 legislative framework on the cards

Martin Endjala Namibia will soon be commencing with preparations for the legislative framework of the highly anticipated green hydrogen that will see Namibia position itself not only as a leader in the green energy sector but also in sustainable energy. Green Hydrogen Commissioner James Mnyupe, announced significant advancements in the green hydrogen ecosystem, with the potential of propelling Namibia towards a sustainable energy future. Mnyupe said the Ministry of Mines and Energy is set to inaugurate an inception workshop from 30 to 31 October 2023, heralding the commencement of preparations for the Namibian legislative framework for green hydrogen. Key government…
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Namibia takes strides towards Green Hydrogen future in high-level talks

Namibia takes strides towards Green Hydrogen future in high-level talks

Niël Terblanché Namibian President Hage Geingob is poised to elevate Namibia’s role in the global transition to cleaner energy sources. His participation in the European Union’s Inaugural Global Gateway Forum (GGF) and the EU-Namibia Green Hydrogen and Critical Raw Materials Business Forum in Brussels, Belgium, stresses Namibia’s commitment to green hydrogen’s potential as an economic driver and climate change solution. Scheduled for October 25-26, 2023, the GGF will feature President Geingob delivering a keynote speech during the Leaders’ Session on “Green Energy Transition and Green Hydrogen.” This session will emphasize the importance of cleaner energy sources and the role of…
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Africa must stand united during energy renaissance

Africa must stand united during energy renaissance

Niël Terblanché President Hage Geingob has stressed the urgent need for African nations to collaborate on constructing robust and environmentally responsible industries for a sustainable future. While addressing the official opening of Africa Energy Week in Cape Town, the Namibian Head of State called for unity when new energy policies are created around the development of sustainable energy projects. Geingob stressed the importance of renewed unity while African nations pursue industrialization. He pointed to the critical role of reliable and quality energy supply in driving economic development and achieving goals such as Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want and the…
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Shell working to develop local content

Shell working to develop local content

Chamwe Kaira Shell Namibia Upstream BV, spokesperson, Sally Wood has said the company recognises the long-term potential an oil and gas industry could have in Namibia in helping to unlock the country’s energy needs, provide training and employment and contribute to economic development. “We continue to work closely with the industry and government as it develops its local content policy and meanwhile, prioritise local goods, services and skills where possible, across our operations. This reflects where we are currently in the exploration process and will scale up if we proceed towards commercial development,” Woods told Observer Money this week. The…
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Namibia expects to produce oil by 2030

Namibia expects to produce oil by 2030

Niël Terblanché With its burgeoning oil reserves, Namibia is embarking on a transformative journey, promising not only to reshape its economic landscape but also to solidify its position on the global energy stage. Namibia has set its sights high on significant offshore oil finds and expects to tap into these vast reserves by 2030. Petroleum Commissioner, Maggy Shino, at a recent oil conference in Cape Town, South Africa, introduced plans for a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) platform to facilitate crude oil export. Since the discoveries, Namibia has garnered considerable attention from global energy magnates. This surge in interest…
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Energy Observer gives a glimpse into the future of clean energy

Energy Observer gives a glimpse into the future of clean energy

Niël Terblanché Residents of Walvis Bay bore witness to a historical event as the Energy Observer, the world's pioneering hydrogen-powered, zero-emission vessel, arrived from France for its seventh and final African stopover. Namibia, with its eye on becoming a global leader in green hydrogen exports by 2030, welcomed this beacon of innovation with open arms. The nation, which currently imports nearly 60 percent of its electricity, is working hard towards an ambitious energy transition. The region's impressive 300 days of annual sunshine, which closely competes with Chile's world record, will play a crucial role in propelling the country's potential in…
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Walvis Bay enters new era with first green hydrogen plant in Africa

Walvis Bay enters new era with first green hydrogen plant in Africa

Niël Terblanché The discovery of oil as well as the much-anticipated production of green hydrogen will necessitate an overhaul of the existing energy export and import infrastructure at Namibia’s ports. This became increasingly more evident when Walvis Bay became the site of Africa’s first green hydrogen production plant. The new plant entered its construction phase during a recent groundbreaking ceremony at Walvis Bay and represents a monumental stride towards sustainable development and green industrialization in Namibia. The ambitious Cleanergy Solutions Namibia project, with an investment of approximately N$3.5 billion, is a collaboration between the country’s largest private conglomerate, Ohlthaver &…
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National GH2 roadshow to northern regions postponed

National GH2 roadshow to northern regions postponed

Martin Endjala The Government, in collaboration with Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, has postponed the eagerly awaited National Green Hydrogen Roadshow to the northern regions. This decision comes due to unforeseen circumstances, with no future date currently provided. Hyphen’s Head of Environment, Social and Governance, Toni Beukes, indicated that the meetings for the Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, and Oshikoto Clusters, initially slated for 02-5 October 2023, will now be rescheduled. “These planned sessions in Eenhana, Outapi, Oshakati, and Omuthiya are central to our mission of engaging with communities and providing details about the Hyphen project and the Socio-Economic Development Framework,” Beukes stated. She…
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Fuel hike prices remedy lies in oil discovery: NALOBA

Fuel hike prices remedy lies in oil discovery: NALOBA

Martin Endjala Namibia Local Business Association (NALOBA) Vice President Peter Amadhila, believes that the continued hike of fuel prices, which proves to be somewhat cumbersome for Namibians due to international oil market prices, its remedy lies within the recent oil discovery in the country. Amadhila, who was reacting to the recent fuel hike prices announced by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, told this publication that Namibia has no control over the oil prices since these prices are in the hands of Global oil-producing giants. “If you have noticed, for the past three to four weeks, our country has been…
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