Swakopmund, Namibia – 7 September 2024 – The Towards an Inclusive Design of the Renewable Energy Transition (TIDRET) project celebrated a major milestone today by hosting a significant site handover ceremony. This event marked another step forward in Namibia's commitment to sustainable energy and strengthened the nation’s growing collaboration with European partners.

The TIDRET project has already electrified 182 households across the Erongo, Otjozondjupa, and Kunene South regions, with a target of reaching 300 households. This initiative, funded by the European Union's Global Climate Change Alliance Plus (EU GCCA+) and the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), complements Namibia’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) under the Paris Climate Agreement.

Benedict Libanda, CEO of the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF), emphasised the importance of energy in driving economic development, stating, “Energy is an enabler for economic development – the more we invest in energy, the more we address poverty and inequality.” This sentiment reflects the core mission of the TIDRET project, which is dedicated to expanding access to affordable solar and renewable energy technologies, particularly in vulnerable and peri-urban communities.

The TIDRET project’s efforts align with Namibia’s goal of achieving universal access to energy and energy independence by 2030, with 70% of the energy demand covered by renewable sources. As part of these efforts, the project has launched a solar electrification drive targeting four key communities in the Otjozondjupa, Kunene North and South, and Erongo regions. The initiative has already benefited 167 households, of which 70% are women-headed.

Speaking on the broader impact of the project, Kadri Simson, European Union Commissioner for Energy, remarked, “Climate change is a key challenge for the international community, one that can only be resolved through unified action. The EU is committed to supporting Namibia’s efforts in this fight, with at least 20% of our multi-annual budget dedicated to climate action.”

In Swakopmund, TIDRET partnered with the Shackdwellers Federation and the Namibian Housing Action Group (NHAG) to electrify 32 households in the DRC settlement. The systems will be maintained through NHAG's Twahangana Fund, ensuring sustainability beyond the project's duration.

Looking ahead, TIDRET is also spearheading the development of a 300-kilowatt solar mini-grid in Puros, Kunene North, which will serve 164 households and local businesses. This NAD 12 million investment, in collaboration with the Ministry of Mines and Energy (MME) and NORED, underscores the project’s long-term vision for Namibia’s renewable energy landscape.

As Namibia continues its green transition, the strong partnership between EIF, the EU, and other international partners highlights the collaborative efforts driving the nation’s sustainable energy future. Recent commitments from the Global African Hydrogen Summit further demonstrate Namibia’s strategic role in the global green energy landscape.

The site visit provided an opportunity for stakeholders to witness the tangible impact of the TIDRET project on the ground, showcasing how renewable energy is transforming communities across Namibia.

The TIDRET project is funded by the European Union Global Climate Change Alliance Plus (EU GCCA+)  initiative and the German Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development ( BMZ) through the MEFT’s ‘Climate Change and Inclusive Use of Natural Resources Project (CCIU-EU)’ implemented by GIZ. It is designed to ensure that the transition to renewable energy is inclusive, equitable, and beneficial to all Namibians, especially those in underserved regions.

For more information please contact:

Media Contact: Nicole van Wyk
Acting Manager: Corporate Communications
Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF)
Tel: +264 61 431 7732
Email: nvanwyk@eif.org.na

Project Contact: Cosmos Shaduka

Project Manager: TIDRET

Tel: +264 811 454585

Email: cshaduka@eif.org.na