SWAKOPMUND – Namibia and South Africa could put together resources and expertise to tackle regional electricity challenges by exploring nuclear energy. 

This was highlighted by South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA) group executive Sengiphile Simelane during an interview with New Era at the second Nuclear Science and Technology Conference held in Swakopmund. 

Both countries face significant electricity challenges that threaten economic growth and affect citizens’ daily lives. 

In South Africa, ageing infrastructure and insufficient power-generation capacity have necessitated load-shedding. 

Namibia also struggles with electricity shortages due to reliance on imports and limited domestic generation capacity, exacerbated by increasing energy demands and the need for substantial investments in infrastructure and renewable sources. Simelane emphasised that the potential for collaboration in harnessing nuclear energy is a realistic prospect, if Namibia can leverage its uranium resources to address electricity shortages while ensuring sustainable energy production. 

Namibia ranks among the top three uranium-producing countries globally, alongside Kazakhstan and Canada. 

Its uranium industry significantly contributes to government revenue and foreign exchange earnings.

“In the African continent, we also talk about energy poverty, so nuclear technology can assist us in basically solving those problems. In my space at NECSA, I will be looking at solving the energy poverty problem that we have, using nuclear technology, which comes in the form of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs). The whole world is looking at finding solutions using this technology to address the problems that we face, and we think we can do it,” he stated.

 We have expertise

Simelane said South Africa’s nuclear research and development history began in 1944, driven by post-World War II demands for uranium oxide for medical and military purposes. The establishment of the Uranium Research Committee in 1946 and the South African Atomic Energy Board (AEB) in 1948 marked key milestones in this journey, which later shifted focus toward strategic nuclear capabilities, culminating in South Africa’s first nuclear device in 1979.  Today, the country is a significant player in nuclear energy, leveraging its capabilities for military and civilian applications.

“We have the expertise, given our track record, and Namibia has the resources. If we could collaborate, we would be able to address our electricity challenges and tackle agricultural and medical benefits for our countries,” he stated. He noted that South Africa has decades of experience in nuclear power, and this knowledge could help Namibia enhance its energy capacity. 

“Namibia’s uranium mines, including Rossing and Husab, could serve as vital sources of fuel for nuclear reactors, potentially transforming the energy landscape in the region,” he added. He pointed out that the region’s electricity crisis has been exacerbated by increasing demand and insufficient investments. 

Exploring nuclear energy could benefit both countries by providing a reliable, low-carbon energy source essential for their economic growth and development goals. 

Simelane also highlighted the importance of establishing regulatory collaboration to facilitate best-practices, and build public confidence in nuclear energy.

In recent years, Namibia has sought to diversify its energy sources, exploring renewables like solar and wind. 

However, Simelane argued that nuclear energy should be included in the energy mix, especially given the urgent need for baseload power.

Leverage nuclear energy

Ryan Kelley, CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa, echoed these sentiments, noting that Namibia stands at a pivotal moment in its energy landscape, with the potential to leverage nuclear energy to combat electricity shortages. 

Rosatom, established in 2007 to oversee nuclear energy in Russia and abroad, develops nuclear power plants, produces nuclear fuel and manages radioactive waste, promoting international cooperation in the nuclear sector. “Nuclear energy offers a green source of baseload electricity, which is essential for any growing economy. With Namibia currently being the fifth-largest uranium producer globally, there’s a tremendous opportunity to beneficiate that local resource by establishing nuclear power plants right here in Namibia,” he said.

He highlighted the risks of depending on neighbouring countries for electricity, particularly as South Africa faces energy challenges. 

“This dependency not only jeopardises Namibia’s energy security, but also limits its economic growth,” he remarked.

Kelley underscored the benefits of nuclear energy for Namibia, stating “If you had your own green source of energy here in the country, utilising your own resources, it would only boost the economy”. 

By tapping into its uranium resources, Namibia could sustainably produce electricity, reduce reliance on imports, and potentially become a net exporter. He noted that Rosatom is prepared to support this need through various initiatives, including scholarships for Namibian students to study in Russia.  “We are more than happy to assist in skills transfer,” he added. 

– edeklerk@nepc.com.na