Patience Makwele
Young Namibians are entering the renewable energy sector as the country expands its focus on cleaner energy solutions.
Technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions across the country are training young people in renewable energy technologies and preparing them for work in the growing sector.
Kevin Kevanhu, a solar technician in training at the Windhoek Vocational Training Centre, said renewable energy offers opportunities for both communities and young professionals.
“Energy access is not just a technical issue. It affects education, healthcare and economic development in communities,” he said.
Kevanhu said his interest in renewable energy started when he saw how unreliable electricity affects schools and health facilities, especially in rural areas.
He said these challenges motivated him to explore renewable energy as a solution.
“As discussions around green hydrogen gained momentum in Namibia, my perspective expanded from energy access to industrial development,” he said.
Kevanhu said Namibia has strong natural conditions for renewable energy development.
“Namibia has strong natural advantages, including high solar irradiation, strong coastal wind resources and large land availability. These conditions position the country to become a competitive producer of green hydrogen and its derivatives,” he said.
Green hydrogen is produced using renewable electricity from solar and wind energy and is part of the global move toward low-carbon energy systems.
Kevanhu said the industry could create opportunities for young people in many sectors.
“For young people, this sector creates an entirely new value chain. Opportunities range from renewable energy installation and hydrogen production to engineering, logistics, catering and safety management,” he said.
He said young people need to prepare early through training and industry exposure.
“Young people must position themselves early through skills development and industry exposure,” he said. “The hydrogen economy will require a diverse workforce with strong technical training, digital competence and an understanding of modern energy systems.”
Kevanhu said TVET institutions play an important role because they provide practical training needed in the industry.
“TVET institutions are the backbone of Namibia’s energy transition because industries require technicians and artisans who understand real systems, equipment and operational procedures,” he said.
He said some training programmes could still improve by including more exposure to modern technologies.
“Some programmes still focus mainly on general electrical systems without deeper exposure to emerging technologies such as large-scale solar farms, wind systems, battery storage and hydrogen infrastructure,” he said.
Kevanhu suggested stronger partnerships between training institutions and energy companies to help students gain industry experience.
He said renewable energy projects could also support entrepreneurs and local businesses.
“Renewable energy development creates opportunities far beyond the main hydrogen facilities,” he said.
Kevanhu said sectors such as construction, equipment supply, maintenance services, electrical contracting and logistics could benefit from the industry’s growth.
He added that renewable energy will also help rural development.
“Decentralised solar systems and mini-grids can power schools, clinics, irrigation systems and small businesses in communities that are not connected to the national grid,” he said.
Kevanhu said skills development and cooperation between government, industry and training institutions will be important for the sector.
“If we equip young people with the right skills and support innovation, the renewable energy sector can power communities while building the next generation of energy professionals,” he said.
