Niël Terblanché
Namibia’s journey towards becoming a green hydrogen powerhouse is gaining momentum, thanks to its strategic global partnerships, policy support, and technological collaborations.
In a significant leap towards establishing itself as a leader in the green hydrogen sector, Namibia has been officially invited to join the prestigious International Hydrogen Trade Forum (IHTF).
According to James Mnyupe, Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Commissioner, this membership enables the country to play an influential role in the annual Ministerial Meeting and Ministerial-CEO Roundtable, marking a pivotal step in its efforts to contribute to the global green hydrogen ecosystem.
Mnyupe hailed this development as a testament to the country’s commitment and progress in the burgeoning field of green energy.
He said that the IHTF membership is expected to reinforce Namibia’s ambitions to become a key player in the global trade of hydrogen and its derivatives, fostering international collaborations that promise substantial environmental and socio-economic benefits.
The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) further boosts Namibia’s green hydrogen aspirations with the launch of the “Global Programme for Hydrogen in Industry”.
Supported by major global players like Austria, China, Germany, and Italy, this initiative aims at promoting a socially and environmentally considerate shift towards hydrogen energy, with Namibia standing as a crucial beneficiary.
According to Mnyupe, international recognition stresses the country’s role in spearheading sustainable industrial development on a global scale.
Germany has shown a keen interest in supporting Namibia’s green hydrogen ambitions. Robert Habeck, Germany’s Minister of Economy and Climate Action, discussed with Namibian Minister Tom Alweendo, plans for a support package aimed at enhancing the development of Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Programme.
The plans include the development of Common User Infrastructure (CUI), local hydrogen-related value chains, and public engagement initiatives, subject to final budgetary approvals.
Adding to the momentum, Alweendo’s recent visit to Siemens Energy’s gigawatt electrolyser factory in Berlin stressed the potential for technological collaboration.
According to Mnyupe, Siemens Energy’s interest in assembling electrolysers in Namibia could significantly advance the country’s green hydrogen production capabilities.
The Hyphen Hydrogen Project, a flagship initiative within Namibia’s green hydrogen sector, received a commendable nod from the German Government, highlighting its strategic importance to both countries’ climate and economic objectives.
Further emphasizing regional collaboration, Namibia, in partnership with the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL), is set to host a Green Hydrogen Programme Symposium.
This event will see participation from neighbouring countries, enhancing knowledge-sharing and cooperation in the green hydrogen domain.
Mnyupe said that Namibia’s proactive engagement with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in Washington DC marks another strategic move.
He added that discussions focused on implementing a Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) for Namibia’s green hydrogen valleys, ensuring adherence to IFC’s stringent environmental and social sustainability standards.
