Energy Security In The Khomas Region

ABSTRACT

Energy (electricity) is the backbone of an economy. However, Namibia is facing a serious

deficit as far as energy generation is concerned. Globally, electricity is generated from

different sources, essentially to make up for the shortage of resources which is in short supply

like dams for hydro power and reactors for nuclear power. Being a developing country,

Namibia is not in a financial position to have an independent electricity generation capacity

to meet his demand.

The Khomas Region, being the industrial hub of Namibia is not excluded from the

energy deficit. With a growing economy and rural-urban immigration of 600-1000 people

according to a 2005 estimate, the demand for power is soaring. Conscious of the regional

energy situation and multi-lateral cooperation on energy sharing as well as future plans for

energy generation, the Khomas Region does not have any plans to achieve energy selfsufficiency.

All power is centralized with NAMPOWER as the sole energy provider.

NAMPOWER in turn receives a large portion of its power from the Electricity Supply

Commission (ESKOM), South Africa. ESKOM, like NAMPOWER experiences a shortfall of

power to satisfy domestic demand and cannot assure the pre-2006 guaranteed power supply

hence leaving Namibia with no other option than to enter into regional agreements for power

supply.

It is necessary for the Khomas Region to embark on the development of renewable

energies which have an initial high capital or development costs but hold long term prospects.

Worldwide there is a move away from carbon-based energy resources towards other

environmental friendly sources of energy such as nuclear and wind energy.

This study started with a cluster sample through which a blanket 46 respondents were

asked to complete questionnaires while the study aimed at obtaining information from the

perspective of the participants in the research.

The study found that the Government of Namibia has embarked on the reform of the

electricity sector, initiated an extensive rural electrification programme and attempted to get

electrical appliances closer to the people by spreading energy shops throughout the country.

The research showed that the Khomas Region has adopted a rather passive posture in the

development of its energy self sufficiency. This could be attributed to the total monopoly of

NAMPOWER and the lack of regulations or their enactment in respect of regions to develop

their power infrastructure.

The study recommends that in addition to the present efforts of Renewable Energy

and Energy Efficiency Institute (REEEI), Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME), and Barrier

Removal to Namibian Renewable Energy Programme (NAMREP), the Khomas Regional

Council should provide direct and indirect subsidy, both to entrepreneurs and consumers. The

Region should furthermore consider utilization of an energy mix and encourage private

entrepreneurs to invest in the development of renewable energies.