Chamwe Kaira
The government plans to include nuclear energy in Namibia’s long-term power expansion as part of efforts to increase electricity supply and reduce reliance on imports.
The plan forms part of the ministry’s 2025/26 to 2029/30 strategic framework, which sets out steps to expand local power generation and improve energy access.
Officials say nuclear energy will form part of a broader energy mix that also includes renewable energy and improved grid systems. The aim is to provide reliable and affordable electricity for households and industry.
Namibia plans to increase its installed electricity generation capacity from 734 megawatts in 2024 to 1 153 megawatts by 2030.
The strategy also targets increased access to electricity. National access is expected to rise from 59.3% in 2023 to 70% by 2030.
The government plans to expand renewable energy as part of this shift. Installed renewable capacity is expected to grow from 367 megawatts to 700 megawatts over the same period.
The ministry says investment in generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure will be key. Plans include developing energy storage systems and exploring nuclear power as part of long-term supply.
The strategy also focuses on building local capacity in mining, green industries and mineral value addition.
The government aims to improve planning and decision-making by increasing the use of data systems. By 2030, it targets 50% integration of statistical and geospatial systems.
Public service delivery is also expected to improve, with citizen satisfaction targeted to rise from 54% to 70% by 2030.
The ministry identified challenges in the sector, including limited infrastructure, low generation capacity, limited access in rural and peri-urban areas, high energy costs and weak monitoring systems.
The plan places energy expansion, including nuclear and renewable power, at the centre of Namibia’s development strategy.
