Renewable energy now the cheapest source of power globally, Irena report finds
via The Namibian3 min read
Renewable energy has become the most affordable source for new electricity generation in most parts of the world, according to a report by the International Renewable Energy Agency Irena titled '24/7 Renewables: The Economics of Firm Solar and Wind'. The report indicates that fossil fuel generation is now more expensive than renewable energy sources. Utility-scale solar photovoltaic and onshore wind power are projected to cost about US$40 per megawatt-hour globally in 2025, which is less than half the cost of new combined-cycle gas turbine plants, exceeding US$100 per megawatt-hour. Irena attributes the rising costs of gas-fired electricity to increased turbine demand and fuel market disruptions that have driven up global gas prices. United Nations secretary general António Guterres highlighted that the current energy crisis reveals an over-reliance on fossil fuels. Namibia plans to increase its domestic electricity generation to 80% by 2030, up from 45%, with renewables targeted to reach 70% of the country's electricity mix by then. Green Hydrogen Commission spokesperson Jona Musheko emphasized that Namibia, with its strong renewable resources like high solar irradiation and coastal winds, must accelerate investment in renewable energy to mitigate global fossil fuel shocks and enhance energy security. Irena director general Francesco la Camera stated that renewables can now provide reliable, round-the-clock power, making them not only economically advantageous but also strat
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by The Namibian.
Minister of Urban and Rural Development James Sankwasa has directed traditional authorities to appoint legitimate heirs by the end of 2026 to resolve leadership disputes, which he attributes to political influence. Chief Johannes Isaak of the /Hai-/Haua Traditional Authority at Berseba stated that political influence is a major cause of conflict, leading to many traditional authorities lacking legitimate chiefs. He highlighted that Nama traditional leaders have previously requested a review of the Traditional Authorities Act to prevent political interference. Isaak also noted that many Nama tribes are currently denied access to their ancestral land and are not recognized by the government due to political influence. Sankwasa, speaking at the 111th anniversary of the Battle of Sam !Khubis, emphasized that traditional authorities without chiefs must establish leadership by the end of this year. He added that aspiring traditional chiefs will need to provide proof of lineage, as multiple custodians of communal land in the same area cause confusion in administering the Communal Lands Act. Sankwasa warned that unresolved chieftainship disputes threaten stability and cultural cohesion. He mentioned that the number of recognized traditional authorities grew from 34 in 1998 to 50 in 2026, with many chieftainship applications still pending. Council of Traditional Authorities chairperson Immanuel |Gaseb agreed, stating that disputes arise because "everyone and anyone wants to become a c
Must ReadThe Gendev Fishing Group board of directors has been summoned to an urgent meeting by Swapo secretary general Sophia Shaningwa at State House. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah is also expected to attend the meeting, which is scheduled for Tuesday. The invitation, dated May 7, was addressed to the company’s board chairperson, Pau Iilongo, and includes the entire board and finance executive. This meeting follows a series of labor disputes, financial difficulties, and increased scrutiny of the fishing company, which is linked to Swapo through its commercial arm, Guinas Investments. Earlier reports by The Namibian indicated that Gendev employees accused the company of defrauding approximately 550 workers of N$17.3 million in salaries and pension contributions over nine months. Workers had previously written to Shaningwa requesting intervention after mediation efforts by the Ministry of Justice and Labour Relations failed to resolve the dispute. Additionally, about 80 to 90 employees were allegedly sent home without pay. Those invited to the meeting include directors Paulina Haindongo, Leonie Edwards, Robert Shimwooshili, Sandro de Goveia, Josef Andreas, George Pieters, Josef Katukula, Gideon Hamukwaya, and Nico Kaiyamo, along with finance executive Ruby Rees.
InnoVent's Diaz wind farm near Lüderitz is utilizing pioneering self-erecting technology from Nabrawind, specifically their Skylift system, to construct wind turbines. This method allows turbines to be built from the ground up without the need for heavy cranes, which are typically required for traditional turbine assembly. According to InnoVent executive director for southern Africa Tom Torne, this approach significantly reduces costs and mitigates construction delays caused by high winds, a common challenge in the Lüderitz region. The technology also includes Nabrawind's BladeRunner for blade installation, also eliminating the need for heavy cranes. This self-erecting system is particularly beneficial for remote, wind-rich coastal areas like Namibia's, as it lessens reliance on non-locally available heavy equipment. The Diaz wind farm project, which began construction in 2023, is the first commercial demonstration of the Skylift system globally. It is expected to produce 230 GWh annually, with five of the planned eleven turbines already assembled. InnoVent anticipates commissioning the project in August. InnoVent, via its subsidiary InnoSun, previously developed the Ombepo wind farm outside Lüderitz, commissioned in 2017.
The Namibian football community is in shock following the death of former national star Rodney Wallace Doeseb, who died by suicide at his home on Sunday, according to police. Doeseb, known as 'Mr Reliable', was a central defender for Chief Santos, where he achieved significant success, including winning the Namibian Premier League and multiple NFA Cups between 1997 and 2005. He earned 28 national team caps for the Brave Warriors, making his debut in 1998. After retiring from playing, Doeseb remained passionate about football, often discussing the lack of development structures and poor refereeing standards in local football. He held a Confederation of African Football code A coaching license and was coaching Karibib FC in the Erongo second division at the time of his death. Doeseb also coached the Erongo regional team to its first success in the Nedbank Namibian Newspaper Cup and was instrumental in Blue Boys' return to the premier league as a player-coach. Bernhard Kamatoto, an associate, described Doeseb as someone who brought peace and wisdom to difficult situations. Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by his family soon.