Staff Reporter
THE Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, once again emphasised that Namibia’s oil and gas ambitions do not undermine the country’s green energy aspirations.
The minister made this statement at the Namibia International Energy Conference, where he argued that, while he acknowledges the global climate challenge, Namibia has the right to transition to renewable energy according to its own timetable and also deserves to reap the benefits of its oil and gas discoveries.
“Namibia deserves a transition to renewable energy that is not hurried or forced into others’ timetables. We deserve a transition that factors in our goals, concerns, and priorities. We need an energy strategy that promotes and protects the well-being of our citizens and our economy. We deserve an energy transition that takes a pragmatic approach to resolving energy poverty, by making our own natural resources part of the solution,” Alweendo said.
According to Alweendo, Namibia is at the dawn of an energy revolution, given that the oil discoveries in the Orange Basin could be the largest oil yield ever found in Sub-Saharan Africa. While the commercial viability of these reserves is still under evaluation, Alweendo expressed confidence in early assessments indicating that the country ought to prepare for a hydrocarbon bounty.
“It is our belief that there is still so much to be discovered, both in the Orange Basin and in other locations. Namibia’s offshore Walvis, Lüderitz and Namib basins hold tremendous promise, yet are mostly unexplored,” he added.
The minister further argued that these ambitions, which could transform Namibia into a major oil and gas producer, do not undermine the country’s green energy ambitions, nor vice versa.
“As we contemplate our future as a hydrocarbon producer, we also recognise the global climate challenge. There are those, of course, who argue that the global push towards green energy makes Namibia’s oil and gas dreams moot. Naturally, we share the goal of getting to Net Zero. However, we must do so in a manner that does not impede Namibian Content development or exacerbate local energy poverty,” the minister said.