United States to Promote Namibia’s Energy Security
The United States (US) has announced its commitment to enhance Namibia’s energy security and assist the nation in becoming a leading regional provider of clean energy solutions. This initiative focuses on areas such as green hydrogen, solar energy, and wind energy.
During an agreement signing ceremony in Windhoek, US Ambassador to Namibia, Randy Berry, emphasized that the United States will share expertise and resources to further Namibia’s energy capabilities. He stated, “We will share expertise and resources to promote Namibia’s energy security, expand and diversify energy sources, and support Namibia’s vision of becoming a net exporter of renewable energy and a regional leader in clean energy solutions.”
Berry highlighted that energy plays a crucial role in sustainable development and economic progress, indicating that the agreement will facilitate cooperation in these vital sectors. “This agreement marks a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to strengthen our bilateral relationship and enhance cooperation in the energy sector,” he added.
The US is aligned with Namibia’s aspirations for sustainable economic growth and industrialization. Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, mentioned that the agreement will span five years, although the specifics of the collaboration are still to be determined. “Through this partnership with the United States, we will explore innovative technologies and enhance our capacity in key areas such as solar and wind energy,” he stated.
Alweendo further indicated that Namibia is committed to achieving energy security by increasing the generation of renewable energy and bridging the existing gap between local power production and total energy consumption. “The government is pursuing regulatory reforms that promote transparency and attract institutional investors. We are dedicated to making Namibia an appealing destination for investment in renewable energy and reducing or eliminating barriers to investment,” he noted.
During the signing ceremony, Kimberly Harrington, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Energy Diplomacy in the Bureau of Energy Resources, spoke about the significance of the agreement as a promise to work alongside Namibia on energy matters. “This process took time, which reflects the vast number of players from the US government who are eager to partner with Namibia, including my agency, the Department of State,” Harrington explained.
Harrington expressed her enthusiasm regarding the interest of US private sector companies in operating within Namibia. “Namibia has tremendous potential in its energy sector, and we are excited to be actively working to achieve our shared objectives,” she concluded.
