Namibia appoints Nuclear Commissioner to lead energy programme

Namibian Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare has appointed John Titus as Nuclear Commissioner to lead the country’s efforts in establishing a nuclear power programme. Titus, currently a Director in the Department of Energy within the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy, will coordinate the technical activities of the Nuclear Energy Programme Implementing Organisation (NEPIO) and lead its secretariat.

To oversee the initiative, the Prime Minister has established a Management Committee for NEPIO. This high-level committee includes Executive Directors from the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Industries, Mines and Energy, the Ministry of International Relations and Trade, the Ministry of Health and Social Services, and the National Planning Commission.

The initiative aims to strengthen long-term energy security and diversify Namibia’s future electricity mix. The government is following the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Milestones Approach to develop the necessary infrastructure and institutional capacity. Key focus areas include nuclear safety, regulatory frameworks, financing, radioactive waste management, environmental protection, and human resource development.