The global movement towards green industrialisation is driven by the urgent need for decarbonisation and environmental preservation.
It encompasses efficient designs, waste reduction, eco-friendly technologies and adopting renewable energy sources.
Green energy not only reduces emissions, but enhances resource efficiency, fostering economic growth through sustainable innovations.
It mitigates greenhouse gas emissions and enables resource efficiency, thereby promoting economic growth through developing innovative sustainable technologies and industries.
Note: ’Green industrialisation’ refers to integrating environmentally friendly practices into industrial sectors.
It emphasises the transition towards sustainable production methods and technologies.
THE JOURNEY TO SUSTAINABILITY
Leveraging its abundant renewable energy resources – such as solar and wind – Namibia can attract foreign investment, create employment opportunities, and significantly reduce carbon emissions over time.
It involves adopting sustainable practices within industrial processes and policies, ensuring a harmonious balance between economic growth and environmental stewardship.
Key approaches Namibia could focus on include:
- •Investing in Renewable Energy: Namibia has abundant sun, wind, and other natural resources.
Investments in wind, solar, hydro and biomass energy sources can significantly reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
Namibia is already well-positioned with a robust electricity generation framework and effective regulations.
•Energy Efficiency: By embracing energy-efficient practices across diverse sectors – from innovative building designs to streamlined production processes and sustainable agricultural methods – we can significantly enhance our commitment to sustainability.
- •Sustainable Mobility: Recognising that a significant share of carbon emissions originates from the mobility sector, particularly liquid fuels, Namibia should prioritise electric mobility solutions and explore green hydrogen as a clean alternative fuel.
- •Circular Economic Activities: Minimising waste in manufacturing and supply chains through recycling and reuse is essential. Using waste for energy or biomass can enhance circular practices.
- Smart Electricity Grids: Developing intelligent grids will optimise energy distribution and consumption, ensuring efficiency and reliability. •Moreover, they facilitate the rapid integration of renewable energy generation.
- •Renewable-Powered Desalination: Affordable renewable energy, backed by energy storage solutions, for seawater desalination can address freshwater scarcity sustainably.
- •The Potential of Green Hydrogen and Ammonia: Although their current costs pose challenges, green hydrogen and green ammonia offer significant promise for future global decarbonisation.
These clean energy carriers can play a pivotal role in reducing emissions and advancing sustainable practices.
- •Carbon Credit Participation: Namibia’s involvement in carbon credit markets can bolster nationally determined contributions toward global net-zero emissions. It also provides an avenue for generating additional revenue.
- •Supportive Policies: Intentional policy and legal frameworks are crucial for promoting clean energy adoption in a just and gradual manner, and can pave the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for Namibia.
OVERCOMING CHALLENGES
Transitioning to green industrialisation presents challenges, including high initial costs, infrastructure requirements and potential future geopolitics.
However, with continuous technological progress and strategic investments, these obstacles can be surmounted, paving the way for a sustainable and prosperous future for Namibia.
In the context of developing green hydrogen and its derivatives, an effective approach to cost reduction in associated value chains involves creating and ring-fencing shared infrastructure among developers.
Collaborating on facilities – such as ports, transmission lines, connecting roads, gas pipelines, and water intakes – means multiple projects can benefit from cost-sharing and operational efficiencies.
LOOKING AHEAD
Namibia has made significant strides in the oil and gas sector, with key discoveries by companies like Shell Namibia Upstream BV, Total Energies EP Namibia, and Galp Energy.
These discoveries indicate substantial recoverable oil reserves, ranging from 200 million to two billion barrels.
Beyond fossil fuels, Namibia is strategically positioned to become a renewable energy hub, leveraging abundant solar, wind, biomass and hydropower resources.
In addition, our capacity to produce green hydrogen enhances energy security and contributes to Africa’s sustainable development.
By investing strategically in these value chains, Namibia ensures resilience for the future and plays a pivotal role in transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
– Set-son Shifidi is an energy engineer and director at a local engineering consulting firm. This article is written in his personal capacity.
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