Martin Endjala
The Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, says, that given the evolving energy landscape, Namibia is strategically positioning to become a sustainable energy capital in Africa.
Alweendo said this on 18 April at the Global Africa Green Hydrogen Summit held in Windhoek. The summit is themed “From Ambition to Action: Fuelling Africa’s Green Industrial Revolution”,
“It comes at a time during which Namibia in particular has availed large portions of land, adapting legislative frameworks, engaging global captains of industries and raising billions of dollars to pioneer low-carbon industrialisation at scale. Something that has never been done before in the history of the continent,” said Alweendo.
Alweendo revealed that Namibia has at least 11 billion barrels equivalent of crude oil reserves offshore, with the potential to produce green hydrogen at U$1.5 per kilogram.
An abundance of solar and wind resources and the third-highest uranium production potential in the world. As well as 46.7 million tonnes of biomass that can be harvested sustainably
These bold aspirations Alweendo said, entail not only the sustainable utilization of Namibia’s primary energy resources but also the cultivation of green and blue economic growth engines.
Alweendo says by integrating green hydrogen as a carrier alongside, more traditional carriers in the energy mix, Namibia’s goal is to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and reduce reliance on finite resources.
He, however, noted that this evolution requires a balanced approach that acknowledges the role of traditional energies in the existing economy while gradually shifting towards sustainable alternatives.
While emphasising that embracing this coexistence allows for a smoother transition, ensuring energy security while advancing towards a more sustainable future.
He added that it underscores the importance of adopting holistic strategies that prioritize environmental stewardship, economic viability, and social equity in energy production and consumption.
“As a continent looking to pioneer green industrialization at scale we must support and invest in these platforms that facilitate thought-leadership, promote investment, policy dialogues, partnerships, skill development, technology transfer, and trade between Africa and the rest of the world,” urged Alweendo.
