Hertta-Maria Amutenya
Namibia is positioning itself as a major player in the global green hydrogen economy, leveraging its abundant renewable energy resources to power the production of this clean fuel.
In recent discussions with leading innovators such as Tesla founder Elon Musk, Namibia’s commissioner for green hydrogen, James Mnyupe, outlined the country’s vision for the future of green hydrogen.
The meeting, which took place during a high-level event in New York last month, focused on Tesla’s Energy Master Plan Part 3.
Mnyupe emphasised that the country’s Green Hydrogen Blueprint aligns closely with Musk’s vision, highlighting that Namibia’s abundant natural resources position the country as an ideal location for large-scale renewable energy projects.
“Namibia’s blueprint shares core principles with Musk’s vision,” he said during the meeting.
Namibia’s collaborative approach to engaging with international industrialists, investors, and policymakers is considered essential in positioning the country at the forefront of the global energy transition.
“Namibia’s willingness to collaborate and learn from leaders like Elon Musk highlights its ambition to not only participate but to lead in the emerging green economy,” Mnyupe noted.
The plan, according to the release, envisions a fully electrified and sustainable future, including repowering the grid with renewables, advancing hydrogen production, and scaling up sustainable energy economies.
Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Blueprint is part of a broader strategy to reduce the nation’s dependence on fossil fuels while contributing to the global fight against climate change.
Green hydrogen, produced through electrolysis using renewable energy sources like wind and solar, offers a sustainable alternative for industries looking to reduce carbon emissions.
The government sees green hydrogen as a key driver of economic growth, with the potential to create jobs, attract investment, and export energy to global markets.
In recent years, Namibia has identified the ||Karas Region as a prime location for green hydrogen production. The government has earmarked vast tracts of land for renewable energy projects that will feed into green hydrogen production, aimed at both local use and export. International interest has grown, with several investors signalling their intent to support large-scale hydrogen initiatives in Namibia.
Namibia has been engaging on the international stage to promote its green hydrogen potential.
In collaboration with the United Nations Department for Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA), the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) hosted the Namibia Green Hydrogen Forum. The forum attracted international investors and energy experts, showcasing Namibia as a key player in the global energy transition.
At the forum, the minister of mines and energy, Tom Alweendo, presented the government’s strategic approach to renewable energy, stating that Namibia is committed to developing competitive industries around green hydrogen.
He noted that the country’s favourable climate and geography provide a strong foundation for attracting international investment in green energy.
In addition to this, Namibia’s role in the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) Forum, co-hosted by the United States and the European Union, highlights the country’s significance in ensuring a sustainable supply of critical raw materials for clean energy.
Despite these advancements, questions sent to David Nghimwenavali of the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme regarding the next steps for the initiative remained unanswered by the time of publication.
