WINDHOEK, March 13 (Xinhua) -- Namibia has finalized the National Renewable Energy Policy for the country and will lean heavily towards the use of the renewable power generation options as a main electrical generation source, according to an official Wednesday.
The country's Deputy Minister of Mines and Energy, Kornelia Shilunga highlighted this to electricity distribution delegates at the 10th Association of Electricity Distribution (AMEU/AEDU) technical conference underway in the coastal town of Swakopmund.
"We are all well aware that we are in the midst of significant change in the electrical energy environment and observe this with various viable solar generation plans nationally," he said.
According to Shilunga, there is a wind generation plant in the southern parts of the country located in Luderitz and adjustments are being made to the national regulation to provide access to more industry players and support adequate generation capacity at a competitive price.
"Technology has helped Namibia realize its untapped resource of sunshine/wind and can play a major role in developing the country at large," he added.
Shilunga said the government is planning to commit itself to a targeted 50 percent rural electrification figure and 100 percent of all schools, hospitals and other public institutions connected to the national grid by 2020 under the developmental, Harambee Prosperity Plan.
"This plan is to be finalized soon and it is trusted that these values will remain and be achieved," he said, adding that this will only be possible if there will be an adequate electrical supply that is affordable.
Shilunga acknowledged that access to electricity remains a challenging issue and requires commitment and prioritization by the distributors to reach the goals of the Harambee Prosperity Plan and Vision 2030.
The event which kicked of Wednesday, will conclude on Thursday and delegates will have the opportunity to share ideas and collaborate with electricity supply industry leaders and suppliers with a shared vision to enhance the electricity industry.
