TITLE:
The Namibian Electrical Energy Mix and Its Implications for Air Quality and Climate Variability
AUTHORS:
Nnenesi A. Kgabi
KEYWORDS:
Electrical Energy Mix, Greenhouse Gases, Air Pollutants, Namibia
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Power and Energy Engineering,
Vol.4 No.3,
March
18,
2016
ABSTRACT: The urgent need for sustainable energy choices, local sustainable value creation, and reduction of import dependencies and non-sustainable resource use in Namibia cannot be over emphasised. This study was conducted with the ultimate goal to provide the basis for accurate energy fuel mix and climate change monitoring, and reporting and planning for addressing a global problem at local/domestic level. The energy consumption and production data for the country were used with International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and International Energy Agency (IEA) conversions, and carbon footprint calculation tools to determine the GHG emissions and air pollutants per type of energy fuel; and the carbon footprint associated with each energy fuel option for the country. The study showed that: 1) there is no single energy fuel which is not associated with GHG emissions and/or other environmental implications; 2) increase in population and energy consumption and production yields increase in GHGs and other major pollutants (SOx, NOx, Particulate Matter); and 3) the choice of fuel mix determines the success of GHG emissions reduction. A future energy mix dominated by renewable energy technologies; and a balanced view of the actual benefits of the Namibian energy supply choices was also recommended.