Solar Energy Transition in Namibia's Mining Sector

planned

Namibia is positioned to harness solar power due to high solar irradiation and vast unpopulated land. The government plans for 51% local ownership in new mining ventures, focusing on sustainable, inclusive, and locally beneficial solar energy projects. Challenges include funding constraints, skills shortages, and aligning renewable energy goals with empowerment policies. The approach includes joint ventures, strategic partnerships, phased rollouts, and hybrid power models combining solar with battery storage and diesel backup. Namibia aims to create a renewable energy fund or guaranteed scheme to de-risk solar investments linked to mining, invest in local skills development, and build a resilient local value chain to support solar projects.