Energy

Energy Observer gives a glimpse into the future of clean energy

Energy Observer gives a glimpse into the future of clean energy

Niël Terblanché Residents of Walvis Bay bore witness to a historical event as the Energy Observer, the world's pioneering hydrogen-powered, zero-emission vessel, arrived from France for its seventh and final African stopover. Namibia, with its eye on becoming a global leader in green hydrogen exports by 2030, welcomed this beacon of innovation with open arms. The nation, which currently imports nearly 60 percent of its electricity, is working hard towards an ambitious energy transition. The region's impressive 300 days of annual sunshine, which closely competes with Chile's world record, will play a crucial role in propelling the country's potential in…
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Walvis Bay enters new era with first green hydrogen plant in Africa

Walvis Bay enters new era with first green hydrogen plant in Africa

Niël Terblanché The discovery of oil as well as the much-anticipated production of green hydrogen will necessitate an overhaul of the existing energy export and import infrastructure at Namibia’s ports. This became increasingly more evident when Walvis Bay became the site of Africa’s first green hydrogen production plant. The new plant entered its construction phase during a recent groundbreaking ceremony at Walvis Bay and represents a monumental stride towards sustainable development and green industrialization in Namibia. The ambitious Cleanergy Solutions Namibia project, with an investment of approximately N$3.5 billion, is a collaboration between the country’s largest private conglomerate, Ohlthaver &…
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National GH2 roadshow to northern regions postponed

National GH2 roadshow to northern regions postponed

Martin Endjala The Government, in collaboration with Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, has postponed the eagerly awaited National Green Hydrogen Roadshow to the northern regions. This decision comes due to unforeseen circumstances, with no future date currently provided. Hyphen’s Head of Environment, Social and Governance, Toni Beukes, indicated that the meetings for the Ohangwena, Omusati, Oshana, and Oshikoto Clusters, initially slated for 02-5 October 2023, will now be rescheduled. “These planned sessions in Eenhana, Outapi, Oshakati, and Omuthiya are central to our mission of engaging with communities and providing details about the Hyphen project and the Socio-Economic Development Framework,” Beukes stated. She…
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Fuel hike prices remedy lies in oil discovery: NALOBA

Fuel hike prices remedy lies in oil discovery: NALOBA

Martin Endjala Namibia Local Business Association (NALOBA) Vice President Peter Amadhila, believes that the continued hike of fuel prices, which proves to be somewhat cumbersome for Namibians due to international oil market prices, its remedy lies within the recent oil discovery in the country. Amadhila, who was reacting to the recent fuel hike prices announced by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, told this publication that Namibia has no control over the oil prices since these prices are in the hands of Global oil-producing giants. “If you have noticed, for the past three to four weeks, our country has been…
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Demand for nuclear energy growing

Demand for nuclear energy growing

Chamwe Kaira Ronnie Beevor, the Chairman of Bannerman Energy, which is actively involved in developing the Etango uranium project, has emphasized that many nuclear-powered nations, such as China, India, Japan, Great Britain, France, and the USA, are either extending the operational lifespan of existing nuclear reactors, often by more than 60 years (80 years in the case of the USA), or embarking on the construction of new ones. In 2021, Namibia was the world’s second largest uranium producer with 5,753 tonnes produced. He pointed out that there are approximately 437 operational nuclear reactors worldwide, with an additional 60 reactors under…
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Green Charcoal Namibia promises 850 jobs and a sustainable future

Green Charcoal Namibia promises 850 jobs and a sustainable future

Niël Terblanché The Green Charcoal Namibia (GCN) factory, an N$60 million investment officially inaugurated in Arandis on Monday, is a forerunner of over 850 indirect jobs and the promise of a sustainable future. These jobs will span various fields including production, transport, machinery manufacturing, engineering, and export, bolstering the nation’s employment rate significantly. The factory currently employs over 50 individuals, with plans to create an additional 30 permanent jobs by 2025. Christine //Hoebes, Minister in the Presidency, declared the project “a giant step” towards ecological conservation, clean energy, and community well-being. “The production of green charcoal is not just an…
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Namibia is among five countries toproduce GH2 at competitive rates: Uandja

Namibia is among five countries toproduce GH2 at competitive rates: Uandja

Martin Endjala Nangula Uaandja, the Chief Executive Officer of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) has announced that due to Namibia’s unparalleled wind and solar resources, the country is among five globally that have the potential to produce Green Hydrogen (GH2) at competitive rates. Uaandja made this remark at the recently concluded United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, USA, while showcasing Namibia’s unique opportunities and comparative advantages as an investment destination. She mentioned that the cost of green hydrogen produced in Namibia is projected to be between $1.73 and $2.30 per kilogram, with exports expected to…
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Persons with disabilities to be accorded equal opportunities in the GH2 project

Persons with disabilities to be accorded equal opportunities in the GH2 project

Martin Endjala The Government has reiterated that it will ensure that all persons with disabilities are given equal opportunities not only in the Green Hydrogen (GH2) project but in all developmental projects in the country. This comes after the Namibia National Association of the Deaf (NNAD) Executive Director Linekela Nanyeni, expressed concerns about the lack of representation of the deaf community in the GH2 and other development projects in the country. He expressed the deaf community’s disappointment with the GH2 project, saying that they feel excluded from the ongoing engagements and discussions. “Namibia is home to many deaf persons and…
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Deaf community feels left out of Green Hydrogen

Deaf community feels left out of Green Hydrogen

Martin Endjala Members of the deaf community have expressed their disappointment with the Green Hydrogen project because they feel excluded from the ongoing engagements and discussions. “Namibia is home to many deaf persons and we are scattered around the vast part of Namibia, however, there is little information coming to the deaf community about the GH2. We are not informed at the moment and do not know much about the projects”. These were the words of Namibia National Association of the Deaf National Director Linekela Paul Nanyeni while responding to questions sent to him by this publication on how well…
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Energy transition challenges might hamper economic development

Energy transition challenges might hamper economic development

Niël Terblanché Namibia is currently grappling with the complex dynamics of the global energy transition, as its substantial oil reserves beckon investors while international pressure mounts for renewable energy adoption. Namibia’s Petroleum Commissioner, Maggy Shino, emphasized the importance of winning the “energy transition war” during a committee meeting. She noted that unless Namibia can construct a compelling narrative to navigate the energy transition, its oil resources may remain untapped due to international calls for renewable energy adoption. Shino explained that the energy transition agenda encourages developing countries to preserve their oil reserves and rely solely on renewable energy sources. This…
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