Not capitalising on its abundant uranium resources to generate nuclear power sooner than later will deprive Namibia of a reliable energy source which will result in missed economic and job creation opportunities.
This is according to Set-son Shifidi, a Namibian energy engineer.
He said taking early action will help Namibia meet its future energy needs, reduce carbon emissions and build a more resilient and self-sufficient energy system.
Government, as guided by the Swapo manifesto, has identified nuclear energy as a strategic priority to diversify the national energy mix, enhance energy security and support long-term sustainability.
However, developing nuclear power is a long-term commitment that requires careful planning and sustained effort.
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said even an accelerated process that includes policy development, regulatory preparation, construction and commissioning can take up to ten years. Shifidi in an opinion piece highlights the importance of Namibia beginning the necessary groundwork as soon as possible.“Delaying this process could prolong reliance on electricity imports and lead to missed opportunities for economic growth, technological advancement and national energy independence,” Shifidi stated.
He elaborated that small modular nuclear reactors provide a flexible and cost-effective energy option for Namibia because of their compact design and rapid deployment which make them well-suited.
The energy engineer, who shared his comments in his capacity, added that nuclear energy offers a stable and continuous power supply that complements renewables, reduces reliance on imports and supports energy independence. “With some of the world’s largest uranium reserves, Namibia is well-positioned to develop a domestic nuclear programme that can also stimulate economic growth and job creation,” Shifidi stated.
He continued that a diversified energy mix that includes renewables, nuclear power and hydropower is essential for Namibia’s future.
“While solar and wind will remain important, their variability highlights the need for a dependable energy source. Nuclear energy meets this need by stabilising the grid and supporting industrial and economic development. Its near-zero carbon emissions also make it a valuable tool in achieving national climate goals. By adopting this integrated approach, Namibia can enhance its energy resilience and emerge as a leader in sustainable energy in the region,” Shifidi added. He pointed out that South Africa is currently the only African nation with an operational nuclear power plant.
However, momentum is building as countries like Egypt, Uganda and Rwanda actively pursue nuclear development programmes. This growing interest signals a shift toward embracing nuclear technology as a viable solution for energy security and sustainable development on the continent.Namibia currently imports more than half of its electricity, despite having abundant solar and wind resources. However, the intermittent nature of these renewable resources limits their reliability.
Shifidi continued that according to Lazard’s 2025 Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) analysis, nuclear reactors are economically competitive, with an estimated cost of N$1.60 to N$2.30 per kilowatt-hour, depending on location and other factors.
The LCOE is a measure of the average cost to generate one kilowatt-hour of electricity over the lifetime of a power plant, accounting for construction, operation, maintenance and fuel costs. By comparison, Shifidi noted, electricity from liquefied natural gas costs N$1.80 to N$2.60, biomass N$2.00 to N$2.80 and concentrated solar power N$2.40 to N$3.40 per kilowatt-hour. Although hydropower is cheaper at N$1.20 to N$2.00, its reliability in Namibia is increasingly affected by shared river systems and climate-related challenges. Globally, nuclear power contributes approximately 9% of total electricity generation. In stark contrast, nuclear energy remains largely underutilised across Africa, accounting for less than 2% of the continent’s electricity generation. The United States leads in production with over 779 000 GWh annually, followed by China, France, Russia and South Korea. France is particularly notable, with nearly 65% of its electricity generated from nuclear energy with the highest national share in the world.
“These figures highlight the significant role nuclear power plays in the energy strategies of major economies, especially in ensuring a stable and low-carbon electricity supply,” Shifidi pointed out. During a recent interview with New Era, one of the foremost domestic experts in nuclear physics also encouraged Namibia to waste no time in including nuclear energy in the country’s energy mix.
Nuclear physicist Nortin Titus said including nuclear in Namibia’s energy mix would ensure power reliability, sustainability and resilience to external price shocks.
In this regard, he urged Namibia to conclude and implement the required legislation, regulations and institutions to regulate the nuclear industry to operate safely and responsibly. “Decision-makers and legislators in Parliament, through discussion and passing laws and regulations, should enable all sectors beneficial to Namibia to be unlocked. Joining and adhering to international nuclear treaties and conventions is crucial if nuclear power production is enabled in Namibia. As such, our uranium is put to work in benefitting the country’s energy needs,” Titus stated.
-ebrandt@nepc.com.na