The nuclear option: Empowering Namibia’s future
Namibia's energy future has never felt more precarious as the nation continues to rely on imported power and faces yet another increase in electricity rates. Our lack of electricity and rising electricity prices serve as a clear reminder that we must act decisively. Nuclear power might be one such option, but Namibia must take note of South Africa's blunders. Our
strategy needs to be open, safe, and based on long-term national objectives.
The book "Nuclear: Inside South Africa’s Secret Deal" by Karyn Maughan and Kirsten Pearson, which I recently finished reading, teaches important lessons which I think Namibia should heed.
It describes how South Africa’s contentious nuclear agreement with Russia was characterized by political manipulation, secrecy, and a lack of public accountability, a path Namibia should not follow if we are to develop nuclear energy responsibly.
THE DANGERS OF SECRECY AND LACK OF OVERSIGHT
The nuclear agreement was negotiated in South Africa mostly behind closed doors. Important choices were taken without sufficient review, and there was little to no public consultation.
The stated objectives of the nuclear program were all compromised by the enormous public scepticism and legal challenges brought on by the lack of accountability and openness.
Namibia must pledge to maintain the highest standards of transparency throughout the whole nuclear power development process. The same errors cannot be afforded by us. Public discussion on Namibia's nuclear energy project must begin at the very beginning. This goes beyond simply guaranteeing the nation's energy supply; it also involves making sure that any nuclear agreement is implemented in the public's and national security's best interests. We require an energy strategy that is open to criticism, guarantees responsibility, and offers a thorough and transparent evaluation of the possible risks and benefits.
NUCLEAR ENERGY AS A STRATEGIC ASSET
More than merely a possible remedy for our energy issue, nuclear power is a strategic asset for Namibia that may lessen our reliance on outside electricity providers and establish us as a
regional energy powerhouse. Namibia struggles to meet its own energy needs while exporting its abundant uranium. This needs to change now. Nonetheless, national security must be the primary distinction between Namibia and South Africa's strategies. Political agendas drove South Africa's nuclear accord, and its eventual failure demonstrates how risky such agreements can be when they are not supported by specific, well-defined objectives. Transparency and national interest, not covert political agreements, should be the foundation of Namibia's nuclear aspirations.
BUILDING A TRANSPARENT, SECURE NUCLEAR PROGRAMME
The lessons learned from South Africa's nuclear deal are unmistakable: lack of control and secrecy only serve to foster inefficiency, corruption, and public mistrust. We need to have a
nuclear program that is open, controlled, and based on public confidence. This entails thorough public input, evaluations by impartial experts, and an early commitment to
unambiguous, legally binding regulations. Furthermore, nuclear energy serves to ensure national security in addition to supplying electricity. Being able to generate our own electricity from our own resources strengthens our energy sovereignty and reduces our susceptibility to outside shocks in a world that is becoming more uncertain. As we develop nuclear facilities, we need to make sure they are safe, secure, and shielded from cyber and physical threats.
A PHASED APPROACH FOR NAMIBIA'S NUCLEAR FUTURE
In my opinion, Namibia ought to think about implementing nuclear energy in stages, beginning with the creation of small modular reactors (SMRs). Particularly for a nation the size of Namibia, these reactors are safer, less expensive, and simpler to operate. Additionally, they provide greater flexibility in expanding operations in response to the nation's increasing
energy demands. Apart from the technological concerns, it is imperative that we create a strong legal framework for nuclear energy that includes strong safety, environmental, and waste
management procedures. Additionally, this structure must guarantee that any nuclear project is regularly monitored and held accountable by the public.
CONCLUSION
When it comes to its energy future, Namibia is at a turning point. The rising cost of electricity and the nation's growing reliance on imported power are unsustainable. An alternative is
nuclear energy, but it needs to be used carefully and honourably. Namibia may set a new course that is open, safe, and motivated by the interests of the country by taking note of the
mistakes made by South Africa in its nuclear agreement. We have a chance to develop a nuclear program that will increase our energy security, decrease our reliance, and fortify our independence. Now is the time to take the required actions to guarantee a secure and sustainable energy future.
*Lukas Shefika is an independent security analyst.**
strategy needs to be open, safe, and based on long-term national objectives.
The book "Nuclear: Inside South Africa’s Secret Deal" by Karyn Maughan and Kirsten Pearson, which I recently finished reading, teaches important lessons which I think Namibia should heed.
It describes how South Africa’s contentious nuclear agreement with Russia was characterized by political manipulation, secrecy, and a lack of public accountability, a path Namibia should not follow if we are to develop nuclear energy responsibly.
THE DANGERS OF SECRECY AND LACK OF OVERSIGHT
The nuclear agreement was negotiated in South Africa mostly behind closed doors. Important choices were taken without sufficient review, and there was little to no public consultation.
The stated objectives of the nuclear program were all compromised by the enormous public scepticism and legal challenges brought on by the lack of accountability and openness.
Namibia must pledge to maintain the highest standards of transparency throughout the whole nuclear power development process. The same errors cannot be afforded by us. Public discussion on Namibia's nuclear energy project must begin at the very beginning. This goes beyond simply guaranteeing the nation's energy supply; it also involves making sure that any nuclear agreement is implemented in the public's and national security's best interests. We require an energy strategy that is open to criticism, guarantees responsibility, and offers a thorough and transparent evaluation of the possible risks and benefits.
NUCLEAR ENERGY AS A STRATEGIC ASSET
More than merely a possible remedy for our energy issue, nuclear power is a strategic asset for Namibia that may lessen our reliance on outside electricity providers and establish us as a
regional energy powerhouse. Namibia struggles to meet its own energy needs while exporting its abundant uranium. This needs to change now. Nonetheless, national security must be the primary distinction between Namibia and South Africa's strategies. Political agendas drove South Africa's nuclear accord, and its eventual failure demonstrates how risky such agreements can be when they are not supported by specific, well-defined objectives. Transparency and national interest, not covert political agreements, should be the foundation of Namibia's nuclear aspirations.
BUILDING A TRANSPARENT, SECURE NUCLEAR PROGRAMME
The lessons learned from South Africa's nuclear deal are unmistakable: lack of control and secrecy only serve to foster inefficiency, corruption, and public mistrust. We need to have a
nuclear program that is open, controlled, and based on public confidence. This entails thorough public input, evaluations by impartial experts, and an early commitment to
unambiguous, legally binding regulations. Furthermore, nuclear energy serves to ensure national security in addition to supplying electricity. Being able to generate our own electricity from our own resources strengthens our energy sovereignty and reduces our susceptibility to outside shocks in a world that is becoming more uncertain. As we develop nuclear facilities, we need to make sure they are safe, secure, and shielded from cyber and physical threats.
A PHASED APPROACH FOR NAMIBIA'S NUCLEAR FUTURE
In my opinion, Namibia ought to think about implementing nuclear energy in stages, beginning with the creation of small modular reactors (SMRs). Particularly for a nation the size of Namibia, these reactors are safer, less expensive, and simpler to operate. Additionally, they provide greater flexibility in expanding operations in response to the nation's increasing
energy demands. Apart from the technological concerns, it is imperative that we create a strong legal framework for nuclear energy that includes strong safety, environmental, and waste
management procedures. Additionally, this structure must guarantee that any nuclear project is regularly monitored and held accountable by the public.
CONCLUSION
When it comes to its energy future, Namibia is at a turning point. The rising cost of electricity and the nation's growing reliance on imported power are unsustainable. An alternative is
nuclear energy, but it needs to be used carefully and honourably. Namibia may set a new course that is open, safe, and motivated by the interests of the country by taking note of the
mistakes made by South Africa in its nuclear agreement. We have a chance to develop a nuclear program that will increase our energy security, decrease our reliance, and fortify our independence. Now is the time to take the required actions to guarantee a secure and sustainable energy future.
*Lukas Shefika is an independent security analyst.**
