Swakop Uranium eager to fuel nuclear dream

Swakop Uranium has pledged its support for Namibia’s ambition to develop nuclear power capabilities, aligning with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah’s vision for sustainable energy.During a courtesy visit this week, Swakop Uranium Managing Director Luo Wei expressed the company’s readiness to leverage its uranium resources and the expertise of its parent company, China General Nuclear Power Group (CGN), to help advance Namibia’s nuclear goals.Swakop Uranium is the owner and operator of the Husab mine.“Firstly, of course, we fully support the ambition to develop nuclear power in Namibia. We are a source of uranium, producing the material that fuels nuclear power plants,” Wei said.He added that CGN is already actively developing nuclear power plants in China and elsewhere. “We fully support this effort. Our parent company is building nuclear power plants in China and other countries. If needed, we are ready to assist.”This comes in response to an earlier call by Nandi-Ndaitwah for the construction of a nuclear power plant in Namibia. “Our uranium should be used for peaceful purposes, to power Namibia, to develop our nation and the globe,” she said. “There is no dream too big to achieve. Let us begin taking steps toward establishing a nuclear power plant in Namibia and identifying potential partners to make this a reality.”She emphasised the need for a reliable mix of energy sources to support economic growth and reduce poverty.Update on desalination plantWei also provided an update on a desalination plant currently under construction by CGN in partnership with NamWater. Funded by CGN, the plant will, once completed, supply 20 million cubic metres of water to the Erongo Region, benefiting its water-scarce mining industry and other sectors.As part of its beneficiation efforts, Swakop Uranium is exploring heap leaching, a process used to extract uranium from low-grade ores that would otherwise be uneconomical to process.“We are currently discussing the desalination project, which will create 1,000 jobs during construction, along with heap leach processing and other site developments,” Wei said of his meeting with Nandi-Ndaitwah.CGN previously estimated the desalination project would cost between N$2 billion and N$2.5 billion, with completion expected in 2026.Cautious approach urgedMeanwhile, NamPower Managing Director Kahenge Haulofu has advised a measured approach to nuclear power. Speaking at a parliamentary standing committee meeting, Haulofu noted that although Namibia has abundant uranium, this does not automatically fast-track nuclear power development.“Small nations like Rwanda are exploring small modular reactors (SMRs) of around 150 megawatts,” Haulofu explained. “Later, once the necessary approvals are in place, nuclear fuel could be introduced.”He stressed that Namibia would likely need a strategic partner to realise its nuclear aspirations. “Namibia may not be able to build such a plant alone. A strategic partner, similar to how Eskom collaborates with Orano SA for South Africa’s Koeberg Nuclear Power Station, would be necessary,” he said.Ask ChatGPT

Swakop Uranium eager to fuel nuclear dream

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-17

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Swakop Uranium eager to fuel nuclear dream

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-17

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