The Namibia University of Science and Technology (Nust) has appointed Dr Andreas Elombo as director of the Namibia Energy Institute (NEI). 

The NEI, housed at Nust, is dedicated to energy research, education and training as well as addressing domestic and regional energy challenges. 

In this vein, the institute is set to become a national energy think-tank. 

It focuses on key areas such as renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency, energy policy and regulation, as well as sustainable energy systems. 

Dr Elombo is an engineering scientist with a strong background in electrical engineering. 

His expertise and passion lie in developing sustainable technical solutions aimed at accelerating the net-zero transition. 

He has over 10 years of varied international experience in the energy sector, both in academia and industry. 

He holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Engineering Science from the University of Oxford, a Master of Science (Cum Laude) in Electrical Engineering from the University of Stellenbosch, and a Bachelor of Science (with 1st Class Honours) in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cape Town. 

Prior to joining Nust, he served as a research fellow in Digital Twins for Transport Decarbonisation at Heriot- Watt University in the United Kingdom (UK), where he played a significant role in a consortium that worked to establish a research hub dedicated to exploring digital twinning capabilities to facilitate the decarbonisation of the UK’s transport sector. 

Dr Elombo has also served in various other roles, notably as a Net-Zero Transition Consultant at EA Technology Limited in the UK, a Research and Development Engineer at NamPower, as well as a Research Associate in Future Energy Networks at the University of Bristol in the UK. 

“I am delighted to join the NEI at a crucial time when our country is working hard to position itself in the green economy, particularly in the green hydrogen space, where we have made great strides to date,” he said on his appointment. 

He added: “Our efforts in oil and gas must be harmonised with all our energy resources to ensure that maximum benefit is derived from it sustainably. I look forward to working with the NEI team and our partners to contribute meaningfully to supporting the advancement of our country’s economy through energy policies and technologies backed by research and innovation”. 

After conducting an analysis of Namibia’s Power to X sector in collaboration with The Renewables Academy (Renac) from Germany in 2023, Nust – through the NEI – identified gaps and the need to provide training opportunities for professionals at different stages of their careers. 

The NEI has subsequently been contributing to the development of academic programmes through partnership projects with academic institutions. 

“Nust has developed a green economy research strategy, through which the university envisages itself as the leading research and education centre for green hydrogen in Africa,” said Prof Erold Naomab, the university’s vice chancellor. 

In 2012, the NEI expanded its core mandate beyond renewable energy and energy efficiency with the inclusion of electricity supply, oil and gas as well as nuclear sciences.