A Russian state-backed energy company, Rusatom, is positioning itself to play a central role in the development and operation of Namibia’s first nuclear power plant.
- Namibia plans to build its first nuclear power plant with Russia’s Rosatom as a strategic partner.
- Southern Africa currently houses one operational nuclear power plant in South Africa, and Namibia’s project marks the region’s second.
- The plant is intended to leverage Namibia’s uranium resources, aiming for energy self-sufficiency and reduced reliance on imports.
Discussions are underway for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Southern Arica as Namibia, working in partnership with a Russian firm, Rosatom moves forward with plans to build its first-ever facility.
As of today, South Africa remains the only country in the Southern African region operating a nuclear power plant located at Koeberg, near Cape Town. The country is also planning to finalize procurement for an additional 2.5GW of nuclear power by 2024, with operations expected to commence by 2030.
Sputnik Africa reports that Namibia’s nuclear initiative is being championed by Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy corporation, Rosatom, which is positioning itself as a strategic partner in the country’s long-term energy development.
Ryan Collyer, CEO of Rosatom Central and Southern Africa, highlighted the country’s potential in the nuclear space.
“We see Namibia as a highly promising partner in the field of nuclear energy… not only as a resource-rich nation, but also as a forward-thinking country with the potential to become a regional leader in low-carbon energy,” he told Sputnik Africa.
Namibia’s nuclear plant journey
Namibian President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced during her first State of the Nation Address this year, that the country plans to initiate discussions on developing its first nuclear power plant.
The move is aimed at harnessing Namibia’s vast uranium reserves, as it is currently the world’s third-largest uranium producer, and reducing the country’s heavy reliance on electricity imports from South Africa.
According to the World Nuclear Association, Namibia’s uranium mines have the potential to supply up to 10% of global demand for nuclear fuel.
Despite this natural advantage, the country currently imports the majority of its electricity from South Africa and other neighboring countries.
A special agreement between NamPower, Namibia’s national utility, and Eskom, South Africa’s power utility, allows Namibia to purchase surplus electricity at affordable rates.
However, frequent supply constraints and growing domestic demand have prompted NamPower and the government to explore alternative, more sustainable power generation options.
With the construction of a nuclear power plant, Namibia is aiming for greater energy self-sufficiency, energy security, and a long-term solution to power supply challenges while contributing to the continent’s clean energy transition.
Rosatom has previously signed cooperation agreements with several African governments. Its involvement in Namibia would not only expand Russia’s nuclear diplomacy on the continent but also establish a major foothold in Southern Africa’s energy future.
