Green power rush puts nature at risk – lawyers
Namibia’s environmental lawyers warn that Namibia’s transition to renewable energy could harm ecosystems if environmental safeguards are not properly enforced. Environmental Lawyers Network of Namibia chairperson Des-Rose Engelbrecht says the country’s push towards cleaner energy must be balanced with the protection of biodiversity and natural resources. “The triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss […] The post Green power rush puts nature at risk – lawyers appeared first on The Namibian.
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Namibia’s environmental lawyers warn that Namibia’s transition to renewable energy could harm ecosystems if environmental safeguards are not properly enforced.
Environmental Lawyers Network of Namibia chairperson Des-Rose Engelbrecht says the country’s push towards cleaner energy must be balanced with the protection of biodiversity and natural resources.
“The triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss and pollution is identified as undoubtedly being the greatest global threat to human rights,” she says.
Engelbrecht cautions that while renewable energy is essential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change, projects such as solar and wind farms can still negatively affect ecosystems if they are not carefully planned and regulated.
“Namibia’s renewable future will be most credible if built on a legal foundation that protects ecosystems and upholds sustainable development principles,” she says.
The sixth National Development Plan, launched in April last year, sets out to increase renewable energy generation capacity from 367 megawatts (MW) to 700MW.
Engelbrecht says Namibia already has a strong legal framework to address environmental challenges, but effective implementation remains critical.
“To give full effect to this constitutional status, environmental laws and regulatory measures must be implemented proactively, continuously monitored and amended where necessary to respond to evolving environmental risks,” she says.
She says although Namibia’s coastline enjoys extensive protection through national parks, all government institutions, companies, organisations and individuals undertaking activities that could affect the environment must comply with the Environmental Management Act before commencing operations.
Engelbrecht says climate action requires a collective effort involving the government, businesses and ordinary citizens.
She calls on lawmakers and policymakers to strengthen environmental accountability.
“Therefore, we call on national legislators, policymakers, and all who benefit from the environment to strengthen and uphold these laws to ensure accountability and long-term sustainability for present and future generations,” she says.
Meanwhile, NamPower head of generation projects Fred Bailey says the utility has installed 519MW of renewable energy generation capacity, including the Ruacana Hydropower Station.
“The current installed capacity of renewable energy is 519MW, including Ruacana Hydro. Excluding Ruacana, it is 172MW, consisting of solar PV and one 5MW wind project,” he said on Thursday.
Bailey said renewable energy projects developed under NamPower’s Renewable Energy Feed-in Tariff programme are spread across the country.
NamPower aims to source at least 70% of Namibia’s electricity from renewable energy by 2030, while achieving 80% energy self-sufficiency by 2028.
Among its flagship projects is the 100MW Sores |Gaib solar PV project near Rosh Pinah, which is currently 58% complete and expected to begin commercial operations between late 2026 and early 2027.
The utility is also developing the 51MW/51MWh Omburu battery energy storage system near Omaruru, which is 85% complete and expected to come online in the fourth quarter of 2026.
Construction of the 40MW Otjikoto biomass plant west of Tsumeb is nearly halfway complete, with commercial operations expected in 2027.
Additional projects include the 45MW/90MWh Lithops battery energy storage system near Swakopmund and the 80MW Omburu II solar PV project near Omaruru.
Independent power producers are also contributing to Namibia’s renewable energy ambitions through the 44MW Diaz wind power project and the 50MW Cerim wind power project near Lüderitz.
Bailey said NamPower is further advancing a 120MW solar procurement programme across six sites at Aussenkehr, Naruchas, Okatope, Osona, Shiyambi and Zambezi.
Namibia observed World Environment Day on Friday.
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