Energy security demands a reduction in reliance on imported fossil fuels, as everyone braces for the potential of an impending energy apocalypse. Namibia must prioritise building a nuclear power plant reactor if it wants to surpass its current position, and become a leader in energy self-sufficiency. The most cost-effective way for Namibia to boost energy security and resilience while diversifying its sources of electricity-generation is through nuclear power.

Namibia is the third-largest producer of uranium in the world, and Namibia is the largest producer of uranium from mining in Africa, yet it has no nuclear power plant reactors. Instead, practically all of Namibia’s electrical demands are met by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Zambia. As a result, Namibia cannot make money by exporting yellow cake abroad. We need to have honest discussions regarding nuclear energy and uranium enrichment in Namibia.

There is now only one nuclear power facility in Africa, South Africa’s Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, which has two reactors, according to the World Nuclear Industry Status Report and Statista Research Department. Globally, 32 countries are home to 440 nuclear reactors that are currently operational. With 94 nuclear power reactors operating at the time, the United States had the most nuclear power reactor fleet.

Out of all countries in the world, France generates the most electricity through nuclear power. Approximately 65% of the electricity produced in European nations came from nuclear sources. In the United States, by contrast, less than 20% of electricity was generated from nuclear power. An estimated 10.3% of the world’s electricity is produced by nuclear power; 32 countries get up to 75% of their total electricity from 440 nuclear installations. Moreover, 50 countries’ 220 research reactors employ nuclear energy.

Nearly 80% of all electricity must be low-carbon by 2050, according to projections from the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), in order to meet the 2°C target. Nuclear power, which is the second-largest source of low-carbon power globally after hydropower, generates around 28% of all low-carbon power.Thus, Namibia has no reason to not be able to establish nuclear power plants in the same manner as over 32 other nations.

Furthermore, the implementation of nuclear power plant reactions cannot be accelerated in Namibia because there is no defined nuclear policy in place. To create a new nuclear policy that includes limiting the use of the nation’s uranium, its use, developing the fundamental components of nuclear infrastructure, and evaluating the feasibility of introducing nuclear power into Namibia’s energy mix, a fund for the management of radioactive waste must be established. Additionally, exporting raw minerals must be prohibited.

It is critical to recognise that Namibia has not explored nuclear energy in its present National Development Programme, and that as the country prepares to introduce NDP6, it should be evident what goals and expectations Namibia has for the remaining period of Namibia’s long-term vision, Vision 2030. The country’s current power consumption, at 750 megawatts, is deemed insufficient by the Namibian Electricity Control Board (ECB) and falls short of the 1000 megawatts required for a nuclear facility to be economically viable. Potentially smaller 300-megawatt power plants could be built to meet the immediate need for electricity.

The country’s arm of Russian nuclear giant Rosatom, Headspring Investments, is working towards the construction of Namibia’s first nuclear power plant.

It’s critical to recognise that developing a new nuclear power plant in Namibia would be complicated and take longer than expected.  Although building nuclear power facilities will need significant investment, Namibians would likely incur more of the costs. With the substantial amounts of capital required to construct and operate a nuclear power plant, cautious financial planning and management are essential to avoid financial strain.

In addition, the process of constructing a new nuclear power plant involves complex obstacles that can lead to delays and cost overruns. Every facet of building a nuclear power plant is closely inspected from a security and safety standpoint.  The main obstacles to nuclear fission technology in Namibia are a lack of infrastructure and technical capability, obstacles to funding and investment, difficulties with policies and regulations, and public perception and worries about nuclear security and safety. Namibia must prepare its approach to developing nuclear energy infrastructure and capacity.

Namibia needs to get past a few major obstacles with local content. Hence, growing and maintaining a successful nuclear power plant in Namibia will require significant investments in infrastructure, workforce development, and regulatory frameworks. Because the complex energy sector requires high initial investment, specialised technology, particular workforce skills, and a long-term horizon, it can be difficult for local companies to readily participate.

Moreover, governments have the potential to play a major role in achieving net zero by implementing effective risk management systems, enforcing credible commitments, and getting involved in the construction phase if private actors aren’t maximising the project’s potential. Namibia faces many difficulties, including low economic growth, high unemployment, low foreign earnings, a huge trade deficit, and a high rate of capital flight because of imported electricity. Both national water security and food security are adversely affected by the current state of inadequate energy security. It is a major deterrent to investments and industrialisation, as well as a major obstacle to the creation of sustainable jobs.

Namibia must prioritise investments in nuclear energy, revise its policy on the optimal use of earth resources, establish a post-mining site rehabilitation fund, maximise benefits to local companies, develop human capacity, direct research, development, and application efforts, and uphold equity if it hopes to take the lead in the energy sector.

The current condition of inadequate energy security has detrimental effects on the social and economic spheres. It is a significant barrier to the establishment of long-term jobs and acts as a deterrent to investment and industrialisation. Investing in nuclear power facilities stimulates the development of technological skills and opens up job possibilities, which boosts local economies. Adopting nuclear power can propel prosperity and progress throughout the southern regions as Namibia moves forward.

Conclusively, international collaboration with countries possessing nuclear experience can offer invaluable expertise, facilitate information sharing, and foster the advancement of nuclear industry capacity. The building of a nuclear power plant will have a significant positive impact on Namibia’s sustainable development, energy security, and economic growth.

Thus, with a well-thought-out plan, Namibia may reap the benefits of nuclear power while mitigating any potential negatives, paving the way for a more optimistic and sustainable energy future.

* Josef Kefas Sheehama is an independent economics and business analyst.