Niël Terblanché
In a groundbreaking move that signifies the growing international cooperation in renewable energy, the German government has extended a letter of intent to Enertag, supporting Hyphen Hydrogen Energy’s ambitious green hydrogen project in Namibia.
The initiative, valued at US$10 billion, is poised to set a new precedent for strategic foreign undertakings, receiving targeted support from Germany, a nation at the forefront of the green hydrogen revolution.
Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, a Namibian-based renewable energy firm, has been awarded preferred-bidder status for the development of a vast 4,000 square kilometre green hydrogen project within the Tsau ||Khaeb National Park, near Luderitz in the ||Kharas Region.
This project is not only a significant step for Namibia but also marks a key moment in Germany’s pursuit of diversifying its energy sources and reducing dependency on non-renewable energy sources.
The recent signing of a letter of intent in Berlin, during the Berlin Transition Dialogue, underscores the project’s strategic importance to both countries.
The event witnessed the participation of the Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, and Green Hydrogen Commissioner, James Mnyupe.
Namibia’s geographical advantages, coupled with its political stability, make it an ideal candidate for green hydrogen production.
The project, spearheaded by Hyphen, aims to leverage these attributes to produce 350,000 metric tons of green hydrogen annually, utilizing around 7Giga watts of renewable energy generation capacity.
This initiative is expected to create thousands of jobs, with a commitment to filling over 90 percent of these roles with Namibians, fostering significant economic growth and sustainable development within the region.
The collaboration between Namibia and Germany on this project aligns with broader global efforts to transition towards clean, renewable energy sources.
The project’s focus on green hydrogen, a clean fuel produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy, reflects a shared commitment to combating climate change and achieving net-zero emissions.
Germany’s interest in reinforcing cooperation with Namibia to advance green industrial development was echoed by Germany’s Minister of Economy and Climate Action, Robert Habeck, signifying the strategic and environmental importance of this partnership.
In addition to the environmental benefits, the Hyphen green hydrogen project is set to revolutionize Namibia’s energy landscape.
With plans to commence construction in January 2025 and aim for the commissioning of the first phase by the end of 2026, the project anticipates not only reducing Namibia’s reliance on imported electricity but also positioning the country as a net exporter of clean, renewable energy.
This endeavour emphasizes a giant stride towards decarbonizing the southern African region and fostering energy independence through sustainable practices.
The collaboration between Namibia and Germany through the Hyphen Hydrogen Energy project serves as an example of international partnership and innovation in the renewable energy sector.
This initiative not only propels Namibia to the forefront of green hydrogen production but also exemplifies the transformative power of global cooperation in paving the way for a sustainable and energy-independent future.
