Oil rigs in Walvis Bay, Namibia
Namibia eyes diversifying energy mix as oil stalls
TotalEnergies’ delayed FID for its Venus project will likely set back first oil, but Windhoek has other irons in the fire
While the focus in Namibia might be on delays to its oil development, the country is aiming to diversify its energy mix by developing gas, renewables and hydrogen—goals that are likely to be reached at varying speeds and with variable results. The country’s initial plan for oil development is likely to start with TotalEnergies’ 2022 Venus discovery in the offshore Orange Basin, where the company expects to reach FID in 2026—at least a year later than previously envisaged. “Kudu gas could be part of the solution” Thom, Wood Mackenzie Portugal’s Galp is looking for partners to develop Mopane, which it said has a hydrocarbon in-place estimate of 10b boe. Developing Venus and Mopane coul
Also in this section
4 February 2026
Europe’s largest electrolyser manufacturers are losing patience with policymakers as sluggish growth in the green hydrogen sector undermines their decision to expand production capacity
2 February 2026
As a fertiliser feedstock, it is indispensable, but ammonia’s potential as a carbon-free energy carrier is also making it central to global decarbonisation strategies
28 January 2026
The development of hydrogen’s distribution system must speed up if the industry is to stand any chance of grabbing a meaningful slice of the low-carbon energy market
14 January 2026
Continent’s governments must seize the green hydrogen opportunity by refining policies and ramping up the development of supply chains and infrastructure
