Proposing policy mechanisms to reduce barriers to the implementation of renewable energy projects in Namibia

Abstract

To achieve policy goals that address industrialisation and economic growth, modern states depend on the ready access to energy. This poses the question as to what developing countries such as Namibia can do to ensure energy supply, especially by focusing on readily available resources such as wind and the sun. The study firstly identifies the non-technical barriers to the implementation of renewable energy solutions by using a qualitative approach that focuses on in-depth interviews with industry stakeholders. Secondly, based on the identified barriers, mechanisms to enhance the role of renewable energy are suggested based on existing policies, the literature review and the interview responses. Most of the interviewees identified governance issues and policy gaps as the key barriers limiting the development of renewable energy projects in Namibia. This is aligned to international experience as described in literature, where policy gaps are often identified as a major barrier to the implementation of renewable energy. Literature further also showed that often more than one barrier was at play and that, similar to the findings for Namibia, a systems approach needs to be followed. The policy recommendations from the study include a revision of the outdated Energy White Paper and the speedy completion of a renewable energy policy. It is further recommended that policy documents clearly set out the roles and responsibilities of various stakeholders to enable a concerted effort to remove the barriers to renewable energy that are prevalent in Namibia.