Namibia's energy transition: Moving from policy to climate action

Namibia is positioning itself as a renewable energy hub in Africa by utilizing its low population density and high solar, wind, and offshore wind capacity factors. Central to this strategy is the Southern Corridor Development Initiative (SCDI) in the Karas region, which aims to integrate renewable energy plants, green hydrogen and ammonia assets, and port infrastructure. To support this transition, Namibia has partnered with entities such as the Port of Rotterdam and Germany, and has committed to reducing its emissions by 91% over the next five years as part of its revised nationally determined contributions presented at COP26.

• Namibia possesses significant renewable energy potential due to its large land area relative to its population, with solar and onshore wind capacity factors exceeding 30% and 50% respectively, and untapped offshore wind capacity factors exceeding 60%.
• The Southern Corridor Development Initiative (SCDI) in the Karas region is designed as a transformative economic portfolio comprising renewable energy plants, green hydrogen ammonia assets, rail and port concessions, mining hubs, and agricultural assets.
• Namibia has established strategic international partnerships to facilitate its energy transition, including a memorandum of understanding with the Port of Rotterdam to transport clean fuels to Europe and a Joint Communique of Intent with Germany.
• As part of its participation in COP26, Namibia has submitted revised nationally determined contributions pledging a 91% reduction in emissions over the next five years.
• Namibia has moved toward implementation by conducting a world-class auction that made over 5,700 km2 of land available for a 40-year concession for renewable energy development.

APA

Mnyupe, J. (2021). Namibia's energy transition: Moving from policy to climate action. World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/stories/climate-action/namibia-is-betting-on-green-energy-to-grow-its-economy/

Chicago

Mnyupe, James. Namibia's energy transition: Moving from policy to climate action. World Economic Forum, 2021. https://www.weforum.org/stories/climate-action/namibia-is-betting-on-green-energy-to-grow-its-economy/.

Wikipedia

{{cite press release |last1=Mnyupe |first1=James |title=Namibia's energy transition: Moving from policy to climate action |publisher=World Economic Forum |date=31 October 2021 |url=https://www.weforum.org/stories/climate-action/namibia-is-betting-on-green-energy-to-grow-its-economy/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@misc{mnyupe2021namibias, author = {Mnyupe, James}, title = {{Namibia's energy transition: Moving from policy to climate action}}, publisher = {World Economic Forum}, year = {2021}, month = oct, url = {https://www.weforum.org/stories/climate-action/namibia-is-betting-on-green-energy-to-grow-its-economy/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }