America supports Namibia’s energy ambitions
The USA has agreed to collaborate with Namibia to support the development of renewable energy locally. The deputy assistant secretary of the USA’s state department, Kim Harrington, was in Windhoek this month to sign the memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the mines and energy minister Tom Alweendo.
Along with the US ambassador to Namibia, Randy Berry, deputy energy minister Kornelia Shilunga was also present. "By working together, we will generate growth, ensure access to reliable energy and protect our environment for future generations," she said. Renewable energy development is about creating opportunities for all Namibians, she added.
Last Thursday, Alweendo said the five-year agreement offers a framework for cooperation, focusing on solar power, wind power and green hydrogen development. "I hope this MoU will enhance our existing collaboration with the USA," he said.
Namibia aims to achieve universal access to electricity in the country by 2040, said Alweendo, adding that Namibia wants to generate 80% of its power demand locally by 2030.
“We also recently introduced our green industrialisation strategy. All of this will require more energy than we currently have. If we want to reach these ambitious targets, we will need to change the way we generate energy,” he said.
Clear interest
Harrington said many parts of her government are eager to collaborate with Namibia. This includes the US Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Power Africa initiative, the Department of Commerce and Energy, the Export-Import Bank, the US Trade and Development Agency, the Small Business Administration, and the Development Finance Corporation, she said.
“American companies in the private sector are also clearly interested in operating in Namibia. From the US firm Plug Power’s electrolysers for clean hydrogen plants to more traditional energy sector companies like Chevron and ExxonMobil, the American private sector plays a significant role in Namibia’s energy sector – a role that we wish to continue and expand,” she said.
“Namibia has tremendous potential in its energy sector, and we are excited to work actively to achieve our shared goals,” she added.
Berry highlighted that energy is a critical component of sustainable development and economic growth. "Under this agreement, we will share expertise and resources to enhance Namibia’s energy security, expand and diversify energy sources, and support Namibia’s vision to become a net exporter of renewable energy and a regional leader in clean energy solutions," he said.
Along with the US ambassador to Namibia, Randy Berry, deputy energy minister Kornelia Shilunga was also present. "By working together, we will generate growth, ensure access to reliable energy and protect our environment for future generations," she said. Renewable energy development is about creating opportunities for all Namibians, she added.
Last Thursday, Alweendo said the five-year agreement offers a framework for cooperation, focusing on solar power, wind power and green hydrogen development. "I hope this MoU will enhance our existing collaboration with the USA," he said.
Namibia aims to achieve universal access to electricity in the country by 2040, said Alweendo, adding that Namibia wants to generate 80% of its power demand locally by 2030.
“We also recently introduced our green industrialisation strategy. All of this will require more energy than we currently have. If we want to reach these ambitious targets, we will need to change the way we generate energy,” he said.
Clear interest
Harrington said many parts of her government are eager to collaborate with Namibia. This includes the US Agency for International Development (USAID) through its Power Africa initiative, the Department of Commerce and Energy, the Export-Import Bank, the US Trade and Development Agency, the Small Business Administration, and the Development Finance Corporation, she said.
“American companies in the private sector are also clearly interested in operating in Namibia. From the US firm Plug Power’s electrolysers for clean hydrogen plants to more traditional energy sector companies like Chevron and ExxonMobil, the American private sector plays a significant role in Namibia’s energy sector – a role that we wish to continue and expand,” she said.
“Namibia has tremendous potential in its energy sector, and we are excited to work actively to achieve our shared goals,” she added.
Berry highlighted that energy is a critical component of sustainable development and economic growth. "Under this agreement, we will share expertise and resources to enhance Namibia’s energy security, expand and diversify energy sources, and support Namibia’s vision to become a net exporter of renewable energy and a regional leader in clean energy solutions," he said.
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