For two days in early August, more than 20 stakeholders from institutions across Namibia convened at the Namibia Energy Outlook 2070 Energy Planning and Data Training in Windhoek. The stakeholders deepened their understanding of long-term energy planning, energy system modelling, and the data required to assess Namibia’s future energy system. Hosted by the GET.transform-EU Country Window and joined by representatives from Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy (MIME), University of Namibia (UNAM), Namibia Statistics Agency (NSA), NamPower, Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) and the Electricity Control Board (ECB), the training provided a platform for stakeholders to engage directly with the modelling process by reviewing the trends, assumptions and data used to develop Namibia’s future energy scenarios.
Two complementary sessions provided participants with a strong foundation and a practical understanding of long-term energy planning and energy system modelling. The first session focused on principles and processes for effective long-term energy planning, covering topics such as energy planning tools and governance, international best practices, scenario construction and the key challenges associated with planning for a rapidly evolving and increasingly complex energy system. Building on this foundation, the second session introduced participants to the TIMES modelling framework and the Times Namibia energy system model (TINa). This technical component focused on the data requirements, projections and assumptions that inform energy system modelling, as well as the development and assessment of different scenarios to support the analysis of Namibia’s future energy system.
Both sessions highlighted the value of long-term energy planning and the importance of considering long-term planning alongside wider national priorities and developments, rather than in isolation. While data provides a foundation, future planning must also account for changing trends, uncertainties, and different possible scenarios.
The training successfully equipped participants with the knowledge to strengthen their own energy planning practices in Namibia´s fast growing and highly dynamic energy sector.
