Alweendo optimistic about renewable energy prospects
NAMPA
KHORIXAS
The ministry of mines and energy is optimistic about the future of the renewable energy sector and the growing presence of international oil companies in the hydrocarbons sector, minister Tom Alweendo said.
In a recent media statement availed to Nampa, Alweendo said there are positive and encouraging signs in the country's hydrocarbons and renewable energy sectors. Alweendo made these remarks during a webinar hosted by the African Energy Chamber in partnership with Africa Oil on Power last Friday, the statement indicated.
“We have had a couple of investors that are keen on entering the market and potentially finding something.”
Reforms introduced
“On the renewable energy sector, we have been able to introduce some reforms that have made it possible for independent power producers to come into the sector and produce clean energy, especially through solar and wind,” he said. Other topics explored during the discussion included plans on the development of the Kudu gas project, to which the minister explained that they are currently relooking the project's business model and hope to move forward thereafter.
On other key projects, Alweendo said the 37 500 barrels per day barge-mounted refinery in Walvis Bay was due to be finalised in March, but was deterred by the coronavirus pandemic.
Angola-Namibia collaboration
The Angola-Namibia cross border Baynes hydroelectric dam is currently undergoing feasibility studies and is planned to commence with construction in June.
The 600MW output will be split into 300MW for Angola and 300MW for Namibia, the statement added.
Alweendo was joined by the African Energy Chamber's executive chairperson, Nj Ayuk, who encouraged a practical and realistic energy transition that addresses the continent's energy needs first, the statement added.
“Oil and gas are going to be around for a long time and will remain a major part of many countries across Africa. The same can be said for clean energy. We have to be environmentally conscious and ensure that lowering carbon emissions remains a key priority,” he said.
KHORIXAS
The ministry of mines and energy is optimistic about the future of the renewable energy sector and the growing presence of international oil companies in the hydrocarbons sector, minister Tom Alweendo said.
In a recent media statement availed to Nampa, Alweendo said there are positive and encouraging signs in the country's hydrocarbons and renewable energy sectors. Alweendo made these remarks during a webinar hosted by the African Energy Chamber in partnership with Africa Oil on Power last Friday, the statement indicated.
“We have had a couple of investors that are keen on entering the market and potentially finding something.”
Reforms introduced
“On the renewable energy sector, we have been able to introduce some reforms that have made it possible for independent power producers to come into the sector and produce clean energy, especially through solar and wind,” he said. Other topics explored during the discussion included plans on the development of the Kudu gas project, to which the minister explained that they are currently relooking the project's business model and hope to move forward thereafter.
On other key projects, Alweendo said the 37 500 barrels per day barge-mounted refinery in Walvis Bay was due to be finalised in March, but was deterred by the coronavirus pandemic.
Angola-Namibia collaboration
The Angola-Namibia cross border Baynes hydroelectric dam is currently undergoing feasibility studies and is planned to commence with construction in June.
The 600MW output will be split into 300MW for Angola and 300MW for Namibia, the statement added.
Alweendo was joined by the African Energy Chamber's executive chairperson, Nj Ayuk, who encouraged a practical and realistic energy transition that addresses the continent's energy needs first, the statement added.
“Oil and gas are going to be around for a long time and will remain a major part of many countries across Africa. The same can be said for clean energy. We have to be environmentally conscious and ensure that lowering carbon emissions remains a key priority,” he said.
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