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
28 November 2025
The launch of the bloc’s emissions trading system in 2005 was a pioneering step, but as the scheme hits 21 its impact as a driver of decarbonisation is still open to debate
18 November 2025
Vicki Hollub, president and CEO of Occidental, has been selected as the 2026 recipient of the Dewhurst Award, the highest honour bestowed by WPC Energy. The Dewhurst Award celebrates exceptional leadership, groundbreaking innovation and a lifetime of significant achievements in sup-port of the development and advancement of the energy industry.
11 November 2025
Transition policies must recognise that significant industrial demand for carbon will continue even as economies hit net zero
6 November 2025
After years of pursuing ideologically driven climate leadership, Western powers are now stepping back under mounting political pressure and rising populist opposition—prompting concern essential climate action could be sidelined
