Green Hydrogen projects create over 200 jobs and N$170 million in SME contracts

Green hydrogen pilot projects in Namibia’s Central Valley have generated over 200 jobs and awarded nearly N$170 million in contracts to local small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme Head of Impact and ESG, Eline van der Linden, said the efforts are part of the ongoing development of the green hydrogen sector, with each job representing a new opportunity in the emerging field. "At present, the pilot projects and projects on private land in the Central Valley are employing over 200 people, with approximately N$170 million contracted to SME companies for various parts of the build-up of these green hydrogen projects. It is early days with each job in this emerging sector, a truly new and additional job," she said in a report. She highlighted that the green hydrogen sector can move Namibia into a higher economic growth trajectory, bringing several Namibians jobs and business opportunities. "Economic modelling by McKinsey and Company (Harvard University) provides an estimate of 250,000 jobs by 2040. This includes 180,000 direct jobs in the green hydrogen industry and 70,000 direct, indirect, and induced jobs from green manufacturing," she said. She said these jobs will train up a new generation of highly skilled workers that will benefit not just the hydrogen industry but will be a catalyst for further industrialisation across the country in many other sectors. "In addition, jobs and business opportunities will be created through infrastructure upgrades (e.g., port and rail), the expansion of Lüderitz town to provide housing, healthcare, education, security and recreation services, etc. to those taking up jobs in the green hydrogen sector (and other emerging economic sectors such as oil and gas and commercial mariculture), and generally the services sector (financial, hospitality/MICE, research, media and publicity, etc.)," she explained. This comes as the green hydrogen sector provides considerable employment opportunities for individuals and Namibian businesses across the country. "Many economic services are required, such as construction, technical services, maintenance and repair, transport, hospitality, and financial services. Buildings, wind and solar farms, pipelines, port facilities, etc. will need to be constructed and subsequently maintained," she said. Meanwhile, environmental and social impact assessments (ESIAs), technical design studies, and other specialist work will need to be undertaken in support of the various projects. Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, a joint venture between Nicholas Holdings Limited and ENERTRAG, was appointed by the government as the preferred bidder to develop the country’s first large-scale export green hydrogen (H2) project in two concession areas in the Tsau //Khaeb National Park. Hyphen will be requiring some 15,000 workers during the construction phase and a further 3,000 permanent employees for its gigawatt green hydrogen and green ammonia production facility in the SCDI. This large-scale project further targets 30% local procurement of goods, services, and materials during the construction and operational phases.

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