Powering up energy ambitions

Namibia’s nuclear power ambitions, a lingering dream since 2008, surfaced again at the annual mining expo last week.Opening the Chamber of Mines of Namibia’s eleventh annual mining expo, Vice President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said: “As our country becomes a more prominent player in the supply of uranium, we should also consider how Namibia may stand to benefit from the downstream nuclear value chain activities, such as the application of different technologies in food production and medicine, as well as energy production.”“Energy is the key enabler for industrialisation,” Nandi-Ndaitwah, favoured by Fitch Solutions company BMI to be Namibia’s next president, said.Nandi-Ndaitwah said as the former minister of international relations and cooperation, she made it a point to ensure that Namibia followed the discussions on nuclear use for clean energy production and development.Long-term planMines and energy minister Tom Alweendo told Cabinet at the end of last year that adopting nuclear energy as part of Namibia’s energy mix is a long-term consideration.“If you look at our national integrated resource plan - which is our long-term plan - you would notice that nuclear energy, while it is not an immediate thing, it could be part of our mix in the long run,” Alweendo said at the time.The minister reiterated his message in the National Assembly in April.In March, Russia’s State Atomic Energy Corporation Rosatom indicated the superpower’s willingness to construct a floating nuclear plant in Namibia.Rosatom country manager Viktor Riedel, however, pointed out that should the project be approved, it could take up to six years to realise.“The biggest advantage for Namibia is that there will be security of supply and it will lead to price stability, and also you can sell energy to neighbouring countries,” New Era quoted Riedel as saying at a media conference.‘Ambitious journey’Blackridge Research & Consulting, an international market research and consulting company specialising in global energy transformation, conducted a nuclear power plant (NPP) industry analysis on Namibia.According to Blackridge, Namibia is “embarking on an ambitious journey in the energy sector with plans to develop nuclear power plants”.“Namibia's NPP construction projects industry is gaining significant momentum, driven by the government's commitment to diversify and secure its energy supply,” Blackridge says.The report continues: “Namibia's government has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to the development of nuclear power plants as part of its long-term energy plan. Policies and regulations have been put in place to streamline the licensing process and facilitate easier implementation of NPP projects. “By encouraging private and foreign direct investment, the government aims to foster collaboration between local and international stakeholders to ensure the successful completion of NPP construction projects.”AdvantageNamibia is the biggest uranium producer in Africa and the third-largest in the world.“The country's advantageous position in uranium reserves, coupled with government commitment and support, presents a compelling case for the successful implementation of NPPs,” Blackridge states. These projects will not only address Namibia's growing energy needs, but also unlock socio-economic benefits by generating jobs, fostering local development and attracting foreign investment, it says. “By capitalising on global collaboration and expertise, Namibia can position itself at the forefront of Africa's nuclear power industry, illuminating a brighter and more prosperous future for the nation,” Blackridge concludes.Self-sufficiencyNamibia must prioritise building a nuclear power plant reactor if it wants to surpass its current position and become a leader in energy self-sufficiency, says independent economist Josef Kefas Sheehama.“The most cost-effective way for Namibia to boost energy security and resilience while diversifying its sources of electricity generation is through nuclear power,” Sheehama maintains. According to Sheehama, the implementation of nuclear power plant reactions cannot be accelerated in Namibia because there is no defined nuclear policy in place. “In order to create a new nuclear policy that includes limiting the use of the nation's uranium, limiting its use, developing the fundamental components of nuclear infrastructure and evaluating the feasibility of introducing nuclear power into Namibia's energy mix, a fund for the management of radioactive waste must be established. Additionally, exporting raw minerals must be prohibited,” he says.NDP goalsNamibia has not explored nuclear energy in its present National Development Programme (NDP), Sheehama points out.“As the country prepares to introduce NDP6, it should be evident what goals and expectations Namibia has for the remaining period of Namibia’s long-term vision, called Vision 2030,” he says. Namibia's current power consumption, at 750 megawatts, is deemed insufficient by the Namibian power Control Board (ECB), and falls short of the 1 000 megawatts required for a nuclear facility to be economically viable, according to Sheehama. Complicated“It's critical to recognise that developing a new nuclear power plant in Namibia would be complicated and take longer than expected,” Sheehama says. Although building nuclear power facilities will need significant investment, Namibians would likely incur more of the costs. With the substantial amounts of capital required to construct and operate a nuclear power plant, cautious financial planning and management are essential to avoid financial strain,” he adds. According to Sheehama: “In addition, the process of constructing a new nuclear power plant involves complex obstacles that can lead to delays and cost overruns. “Every facet of building a nuclear power plant is closely inspected from a security and safety standpoint. The main obstacles to nuclear fission technology in Namibia are a lack of infrastructure and technical capability, obstacles to funding and investment, difficulties with policies and regulations, and public perception and worries about nuclear security and safety.”ApproachNamibia has to prepare its approach to developing nuclear energy infrastructure and capacity, Sheehama says.“Namibia needs to get past a few major obstacles with local content - hence, significant investments in infrastructure, workforce development and regulatory frameworks. “Because the complex energy sector requires high initial investment, specialised technology, particular workforce skills and a long-term horizon, it can be difficult for local companies to readily participate.“Moreover, governments have the potential to play a major role in achieving net zero by implementing effective risk management systems, enforcing credible commitment and getting involved in the construction phase if private actors aren't maximising the project's potential,” Sheehama says. ChallengesSheehama continues: “Namibia faces many difficulties, including low economic growth, high unemployment, low foreign earnings, a huge trade deficit and a high rate of capital flight as a result of imported electricity. “Both national water security and food security are adversely affected by the current state of inadequate energy security. It is a major deterrent to investments and industrialization, as well as a major obstacle to the creation of sustainable jobs.” “Namibia must prioritise investments in nuclear energy, revise its policy on the optimal use of earth resources, establish a post-mining site rehabilitation fund, maximise benefits to local companies, develop human capacity, direct research, development, application efforts, and uphold equity if it hopes to take the lead in the energy sector,” he says.Sheehama says the current condition of inadequate energy security has detrimental effects on the social and economic spheres.“It is a significant barrier to the establishment of long-term jobs and acts as a deterrent to investment and industrialisation. Investing in nuclear power facilities stimulates the development of technological skills and opens up job possibilities, which boosts local economies. “Adopting nuclear power has the ability to propel prosperity and progress throughout the southern regions as Namibia moves forward.”ImpactIn conclusion, Sheehama says: “International collaboration with countries possessing nuclear experience can offer invaluable expertise, facilitate information sharing, and foster the advancement of nuclear industry capacity. “The building of a nuclear power plant will have a significant positive impact on Namibia's sustainable development, energy security, and economic growth. “Thus, with a well-thought-out plan, Namibia may reap the benefits of nuclear power while mitigating any potential negatives, paving the way for a more optimistic and sustainable energy future.”

Powering up energy ambitions

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Republikein 2025-04-03

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