Namibia is targeting to create a green fuels industry with a production capacity of 10-12 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of hydrogen equivalent (H2) by 2050.
“The world-class solar and wind resources, vast open spaces, and long coastline make Namibia the ideal destination for future green hydrogen development. These conditions give reason for Namibia to be able to produce green hydrogen at highly competitive costs,” Mines and Energy Minister Tom Alweendo said during the launch of the country’s Green Hydrogen Strategy.
“Not only do we see the development of green hydrogen as a path to economic recovery and growth, but the enabler for Namibia to become a net primary energy exporter, unlocking the potential to meet global demand of 10 million tonnes by 2030.
“By following a Just Energy Transition pathway, it will be possible for Namibia to achieve the desired economic growth together with creating sustainable jobs and reducing carbons emissions,” he said.
Alweendo said Namibia hopes to contribute to projected future global demand of hydrogen and its derivatives.
“Under the net-zero scenario, global demand for hydrogen and its derivatives is expected to soar from an estimated 140 Mtpa of hydrogen equivalent in 2030 to 660 Mtpa in 2050,” he said.
The Minister added that Namibia’s long-term strategy was to produce more than green hydrogen and this will be achieved by developing three hydrogen valleys; in the southern region of //Kharas, the central region including Walvis Bay port and the capital Windhoek, and the northern region of Kunene.
“Namibia is looking to produce more than green hydrogen, it aims to export green ammonia, e-methanol, synthetic kerosene and hot-briquetted iron, where the final ambition is to also manufacture more complex products, such as green zinc and steel,” he said.
“Key to the strategy will be the creation and utilisation of molecules for local industrial objectives and for decarbonisation of industrial sectors. The green hydrogen development in Namibia is an unprecedented opportunity for Namibia to fast-track green hydrogen production and to achieve self-sufficiency from an electricity and primary energy perspective.”
The Mines and Energy Minister said Namibia also seeks to establish an integrated, thriving green ecosystem across Southern Africa.
“Green hydrogen will also play a pivotal role in regional energy security by Namibia supplying molecules and electrons to its neighbours. Namibia also aspires to establish an integrated, thriving green ecosystem across Southern Africa, by creating synergies in shared infrastructure and manufacturing with, for example, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Angola,” he said.
Namibia is banking on green hydrogen to attract more than US$6 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) which is anticipated to generate annual revenues more than US$800 million, while also contributing to its much-anticipated Sovereign Wealth Fund.
Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, a joint venture between Nicholas Holdings of the UK and ENERTRAG of Germany was selected as the preferred bidder for the country’s first green hydrogen project in November 2021.
Click link below to read Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Strategy at a glance
https://thebrief.com.na/index.php/component/k2/item/1995-glance-at-namibia-s-green-hydrogen-strategy
