The industrial processes and product use (IPPU) sector’s emissions increased from 0.021 MtCO₂e/yr in 1990 to 0.401 MtCO₂e/yr in 2016.
Overall, the sector contributes very little – just 2% – to Namibia’s cumulative emissions and even this has fluctuated significantly over time as different industries have begun and ended. Particularly relevant would be the emission increases in 2003 due to the commencement of zinc production, in 2011 when cement production begun, and a decrease in 2016 when lime production ceased.2,10
The main drivers of emissions In the IPPU sector are the metal, mining, and construction industries. The industrial processes sector does not feature strongly in the country’s mitigation plans given its small overall contribution to total emissions.
Across all analysed 1.5°C pathways, industrial activity increases to 2050 with much of this increase being met with electrified processes. For example, in the ‘SSP1 High CDR reliance’ pathway, by 2050 electricity makes up 67% of the fuel mix, with biomass making up most of the rest.
1 Republic of Namibia. Namibia’s NDC Update. (2021).
2 Republic of Namibia. Fourth Biennial Update Report (BUR4) to the UNFCCC. (2021).
3 Ministry of Mines and Energy. National Energy Policy. (2017).
4 United Nations Environment Programme. Atlas of Africa Energy Resources. (2017).
5 IEA. Data & Statistics – IEA. https://www.iea.org/data-and-statistics/data-browser?country=WORLD&fuel=Energy consumption&indicator=ElecConsPerCapita (2021).
6 Net Zero Tracker. Namibia profile. (2022).
7 Ministry of Mines and Energy. National Renewable Energy Policy. (2017).
8 IRENA. Energy Profile: Namibia. (2022).
9 Namibia Power Corporation. NamPower – Ruacana Power Station. (2022).
10 Republic of Namibia. Fourth National Communication to the UNFCCC. (2020).
11 There is no data for the commercial and public buildings sector before 1996.
12 Note that a Carbon Tax – starting at N$40 per g/km of CO₂ in the 2016-2020 transition period – is mentioned in the 4th Biennial Update Report (BUR4), published in early 2021, however, there is no mention of any extension in the NDC submitted to the UNFCCC in late 2021.
Namibiaʼs energy mix in the industry sector
petajoule per year
- Natural gas
- Coal
- Oil and e-fuels
- Biomass
- Biogas
- Biofuel
- Electricity
- Heat
- Hydrogen
Namibiaʼs industry sector direct CO₂ emissions (of energy demand)
MtCO₂/yr
- Historical emissions
- SSP1 Low CDR reliance
- SSP1 High CDR reliance
Namibiaʼs GHG emissions from industrial processes
MtCO₂e/yr
- SSP1 Low CDR reliance
- SSP1 High CDR reliance
- Historical emissions
1.5°C compatible industry sector benchmarks
Direct CO₂ emissions, direct electrification rates, and combined shares of electricity, hydrogen and biomass from illustrative 1.5°C pathways for Namibia
Indicator | 2019 | 2030 | 2040 | 2050 | Decarbonised industry sector by |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Direct CO₂ emissions MtCO₂/yr | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2037 to 2040 |
Indicator | 2019 | 2030 | 2040 | 2050 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Share of electricity Percent | 27 | 35 to 40 | 57 to 60 | 67 to 72 |
Share of electricity, hydrogren and biomass Percent | 44 | 54 to 60 | 85 to 89 | 95 to 98 |