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