Martin Endjala
Namibia will soon be commencing with preparations for the legislative framework of the highly anticipated green hydrogen that will see Namibia position itself not only as a leader in the green energy sector but also in sustainable energy.
Green Hydrogen Commissioner James Mnyupe, announced significant advancements in the green hydrogen ecosystem, with the potential of propelling Namibia towards a sustainable energy future.
Mnyupe said the Ministry of Mines and Energy is set to inaugurate an inception workshop from 30 to 31 October 2023, heralding the commencement of preparations for the Namibian legislative framework for green hydrogen.
Key government representatives, ministries, regulators and agencies will converge to deliberate on policy formulation and the scope of sectorial legislation, adding that the workshop will culminate in the development of a legislative roadmap and the establishment of specialised working groups to address pivotal aspects of the new legislation.
“This initiative underscores Namibia’s commitment to sustainable energy practices and the ambition to emerge as a leader in the green hydrogen industry, while also engaging international experts to inform decisions based on global best practices,” said Mnyupe.
He revealed that the second edition of the Youth for Green Hydrogen Scholarship program recently concluded this month, with an extended application period to accommodate enthusiastic applicants from all 14 regions of Namibia.
Over 3,000 applications have been received and are currently under review, with the announcement of successful candidates scheduled for the end of November.
He further stated that the programme is also exploring collaboration with the Petroleum Training and Education Fund (PETROFUND) to extend the scholarship initiative into a long-term national programme aimed at enhancing skills development for the emerging Synthetic Fuels Industry.
Furthermore, a significant milestone was also achieved on 11 October 2023, when President Hage Geingob toured the Erongo Region to witness the harmonious integration of various projects forming the Erongo Green Hydrogen Valley.
Additionally, Mnyupe announced that in early November 2023, HyIron, the world’s first direct reduced iron facility, is set to commence construction in Namibia. This facility epitomises green industrialisation and the green economy as outlined in the 2nd Harambee Prosperity Plan.
HyIron aims to utilise locally produced hydrogen to manufacture sponge iron, a vital component in steel production.
Supported by a €13.8 million grant from the German government, the facility intends to produce 15,000 tonnes of direct reduced iron and prevent 27,000 tonnes of Carbon dioxide emissions during its initial phase.
