Namibia considers nuclear to combat power shortages

• 11 years ago (2012-08-15)
• Junior Isles

Africa 303 Nuclear 640 Renewables 752

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Namibian Minister of Mines and Energy, Isak Katali, has said that the poor state of power generation in Southern Africa means construction of a nuclear power station in Namibia is an open possibility.

Katali made his statement during the recent Electricity Supply Industry Stakeholders Forum in Rundu.

"I am not saying we will have a nuclear plant, all I am saying is that government through our ministry and the electricity supply industry are looking at all power sources, among them, wind energy, hydro and coal-fired stations, a solar thermal collector and the possibility of a nuclear power station in the future," he said.

The Namibian public are divided over the idea of a nuclear plant in the country, mainly due to safety concerns post-Fukushima. Katali has said the Ministry of Mines and Energy has finalised its nuclear cycle policy, which is expected to investigate the viability of nuclear power for meeting the country's growing energy needs.

Though with the country scrambling for a diverse mix of new energy sources, including coal-fired power stations, biomass and wind power, Namibia’s nuclear aspirations may be seen as incongruent with its government's advocacy for green energy.

Katali has stated that NamPower intends to construct eight more power stations in the country in order to secure the country's energy independence. He also said shortages in the SADC region meant there was a particular need for increased power generation capacity.