Niël Terblanché
Namibia is steadfast in its aim to achieve 70% of its energy supply from renewable sources by 2030.
The Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, said this during the 15th Session of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly held from 11 to 13 January 2025 in Abu Dhabi.
“Several key initiatives are nearing completion, and new projects will be launched in early 2025,” he said while addressing the assembly.
He stressed that Namibia is focused on harnessing solar, wind, and biomass resources to diversify the energy mix of the country.
The minister also outlined Namibia’s electrification strategy, aiming to provide electricity to 432 000 households by 2040 through a combination of grid and off-grid solutions.
“This will bridge energy access gaps, particularly in underserved rural areas, ensuring that no Namibian is left behind in this energy transition,” he said.
A substantial aspect of Namibia’s renewable energy agenda is the development of green hydrogen.
Supported by a robust roadmap and partnerships with international stakeholders, including Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, Namibia seeks to leverage its competitive advantage in producing green hydrogen for both domestic use and export.
“This initiative will not only drive economic growth but also contribute to global decarbonisation efforts,” he said.
Despite these advancements, Alweendo acknowledged the challenges inherent in the global energy transition, particularly the need for innovative financing mechanisms and international cooperation.
He expressed appreciation for IRENA’s role in fostering collaboration and capacity-building among its members and encouraged a continued focus on policy advisory and facilitating investments in regions with high renewable energy potential.
“Together, through platforms like IRENA, we can achieve a just and sustainable energy transition for the benefit of all,” he said.
The 15th IRENA Assembly, themed “Accelerating the Renewable Energy Transition – The Way Forward,” convened ministers and high-level delegates from IRENA’s 170 member states, academia, development banks, CEOs, and youth representatives.
Key discussions focused on tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030, enhancing ambition in Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC 3.0), supporting transitions in emerging economies, and leveraging innovative financial flows in developing countries.
“The world is undergoing rapid transformation, driven by a shifting geopolitical landscape and technological breakthroughs such as artificial intelligence. Amid these changes, renewables must remain a top global priority as the most effective way to keep climate and sustainable development goals within reach,” IRENA Director-General Francesco La Camera said while addressing participants.
