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
19 March 2026
The regional crisis highlights the undervalued role of fixed pipelines in the age of tanker flexibility
18 March 2026
Rising LNG exports and AI-driven power demand have raised concerns that US gas prices could climb sharply, but analysts say abundant shale supply and continued productivity gains should keep Henry Hub within a range that preserves the competitiveness of US LNG
18 March 2026
Risks of shortages in oil products may cause world leaders to panic and make mistakes instead of letting the market do what it does best
17 March 2026
The crisis in the Middle East has put LNG’s ability to offer security and flexibility under uncomfortable scrutiny
