NEI Lights the Way to a Sustainable Energy Era for Namibia

September 6, 2025 11:35 am

As Namibia continues to position itself as a formidable frontrunner in the green energy transition, the Namibia Energy Institute (NEI) at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) is spearheading initiatives that are shaping the country’s energy future. Through building local expertise, fostering innovation, and strengthening community participation, NEI is equipping Namibia—across academia and industry—for a just and inclusive energy transition.

Established through a Cabinet directive by the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy (MIME) and hosted at NUST, NEI operates through four specialised centres with a focus on key energy pillars: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, Electricity Supply, Oil and Gas, and Nuclear Energy. Its mission is clear: to empower Namibia, particularly its youth, with the technical expertise and advanced research skills required to thrive in a rapidly evolving energy industry and to secure a sustainable, competitive energy sector.

Building Capacity for the Green Energy Workforce

At the heart of NEI’s work is training and capacity development — ensuring that Namibia has the workforce needed to deliver on its energy ambitions.

A landmark milestone has been the development of the Bachelor of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in Solar Energy Technologies, a four-year programme that blends technical expertise in solar energy technologies with pedagogical training. This ensures that Namibia not only trains technicians but also equips trainers who can scale skills development nationwide. The NEI has been a key partner with Department of TVET at NUST in developing this programme, which is at an advanced stage toward achieving accreditation.

Beyond academia, NEI invests in hands-on training facilities:

The Advanced Solar PV Training Suite, inaugurated in June 2025 with support from UNDP and Japan, provides students with cutting-edge practical skills in solar technologies.

LAUNCHED: The Official Launch of the Advanced Solar PV Training Suite.

CUTTING EDGE: The Unveiling of the Advanced Solar PV Training Suite.

The Solar PV-Powered Living Lab at Mix Settlement, established under the Erasmus+ SmartVille project, brings renewable electricity and entrepreneurship training to disadvantaged communities on the outskirt of Windhoek, demonstrating how the energy transition can uplift livelihoods.

Green Hydrogen as a Strategic Catalyst for Green Industrialisation

While the energy transition predominantly leverages solar and wind energy resources, and efficiency measures, Green Hydrogen has emerged as a cornerstone of Namibia’s future energy economy. NEI and NUST are ensuring that capacity in this sector keeps pace with opportunity.

In May 2025, NEI joined the National Task Force on Green Hydrogen for a study tour to the Netherlands, resulting in a comprehensive education and training strategy to prepare Namibia’s workforce for this new sector.
In July 2025, NEI hosted the Korea Institute of Energy Research (KIER), paving the way for a Memorandum of Understanding to advance research collaboration and train-the-trainer initiatives in Green Hydrogen technologies.
With UNDP, NEI is tasked with leading the establishment of the Namibia Centre of Excellence for Green Energy Innovation (N-CoEGEI) at NUST, designed to incubate skills and start-ups across renewable energy and green hydrogen value chains.

Through these efforts, Green Hydrogen is firmly embedded within the broader green energy transition — not as a standalone initiative, but as a driver of innovation, industrialisation, and job creation.

Training Communities and Industry

A just transition means ensuring that technical experts and communities benefit together. NEI has expanded its training reach to industry practitioners and rural communities alike:

The Southern African Solar Thermal Training and Demonstration Initiative (SOLTRAIN+) Program—a flagship program at the NEI—has provided training on solar thermal systems to a total of 309 beneficiaries, comprising developers, engineers, technician, artisans, and students, thereby strengthening Namibia’s renewable heating sector. In addition to training, the SOLTRAIN+ program has enabled the subsidised installation of thermosyphon systems, with a total collector area of 230 m² to date.
In Puros, NEI trained over 10 NORED staff on minigrid operations and about 40 community members on productive electricity use, laying the foundation for shared ownership of Namibia’s off-grid future.

TARGETTED TRAINING: Participants of the Technical Training on Solar PV-Powered Minigrid Operation at the NORED Headquarters, Ondangwa

With partners such as the Technische Hochschule Ulm (THU)—a Germany-based university, NEI is developing a targeted training programme for certified solar PV installers to ensure adherence to technical standards across the industry.

Research, Partnerships, and Global Engagement

NEI’s contribution goes beyond training: it is generating new knowledge and shaping international partnerships.

Collaborative research on energy data analytics—a critical element in creating smart grids—has been established with the University of Strathclyde (UK) and Erongo RED (a regional electricity distributor for Erongo Region). Initial findings have already been published and presented at the International Conference on Emerging Trends in Networks and Computer Communications (ETNCC) 2025.
NEI staff and NUST students actively participate in global energy-focused forums, such as the SADC Sustainable Energy Week and the International Solar Technologies & Hybrid Minigrids Conference.
Partnerships with international industry leaders, including Yinson Production (focused on carbon capture research) and NamPower (advancing AI and grid innovation), further position NEI at the intersection of research, technology, and applied training.

Upcoming Events

From 23–26 September 2025, NEI will host the SOLTRAIN+ & IEA SHC Task 69 Joint Meeting to take place at NUST, Windhoek. The gathering will bring together international experts to discuss solar heating technologies, standards, certification, and gender mainstreaming in the solar industry. The programme will also feature technical tours and hands-on workshops, further positioning Namibia as a regional hub for solar innovation and knowledge exchange.

Powering Namibia’s Green Energy Transition

NEI and NUST’s efforts illustrate that Namibia’s green energy transition is not just about technologies — it is about people, skills, and inclusive growth. By embedding Green Hydrogen within the wider framework of renewable energy innovation, NEI ensures that Namibia develops a resilient, skilled, and future-ready workforce.

As the world gathers for the Global African Green Hydrogen Summit, Namibia is already proving that investment in knowledge and capacity is the most powerful fuel for a sustainable future.

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