Namibia commits to 70% renewable power
Namibia remains committed to advancing the green energy transition, having set an ambitious target of achieving 70% renewable energy in the national electricity mix by 2030, Mines Minister Modestus Amutse said at the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) Assembly in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.“Namibia’s energy transition is firmly anchored on renewable energy. As a country endowed with world-class solar and wind resources, we have set a national target to achieve 70% renewable energy in the electricity mix by 2030, supported by deliberate policy and regulatory reforms to unlock investment,” Amutse said.
Policy and private sector support
These reforms include the introduction of the Modified Single Buyer model, which has opened the electricity market to greater private sector participation while maintaining system stability and oversight.
“As a result, a growing number of independent power producers (IPPs) and private developers have taken up opportunities to invest in renewable generation, contributing to increased capacity, diversification of the energy mix, and reduced reliance on imports,” Amutse said.
The model also enables IPPs to generate renewable electricity for domestic use and for export to neighbouring countries, expanding Namibia’s role in regional energy trade.
Green hydrogen strategy
Building on its renewable energy foundation, Namibia sees green hydrogen as a strategic opportunity to deepen industrialisation and participate in emerging global low-carbon value chains. The country has developed a Green Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap, detailing priority project areas, enabling infrastructure, regulatory and institutional measures, and skills development requirements.
“Our approach focuses on leveraging green hydrogen to support domestic industrial applications, such as green steel and fertilisers, while also positioning Namibia as a future exporter of green hydrogen and its derivatives,” Amutse said.
Local value and industrialisation
Amutse emphasised that Namibia’s green hydrogen development is guided by the principle of delivering local value, creating employment, and supporting inclusive economic growth.
“We are particularly proud of our milestone in green hydrogen-based steel production, where Namibia has successfully produced commercially viable green steel. This demonstrates our ability to integrate renewable energy with advanced green hydrogen technologies to support industrialisation, generate high-value products, and create quality jobs for both domestic use and future export markets,” he said.
“The success of the energy transition will ultimately be measured not only by installed capacity, but by its impact on people’s lives, communities, and economies. Namibia remains committed to advancing renewable energy pathways that support industrialisation, sustainable jobs, and expanded energy access for all,” Amutse added.