Energy security in the Khomas region
Loading...
Date
2010
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Abstract
Abstract provided by author
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 self-sufficiency. 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.
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 self-sufficiency. 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.
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Arts in Security and Strategic studies
Keywords
Renewable energy sources, Electricity, Power resources