Namibia has been urged to explore a strategic shift for its National Petroleum Corporation of Namibia (Namcor) to position it as a leader in the country’s emerging green hydrogen industry.
Following a study tour to Belgium, a delegation of 10 government officials is recommending Namibia’s oil company’s transformation to encompass green hydrogen production. Their report highlights the company’s existing expertise in managing energy resources as a valuable asset in this transition.
The Green Hydrogen program, drafted by the delegation, emphasizes the potential for Namcor to emulate the success of Hydrom in Oman.
“As Namibia seeks to embrace sustainable energy solutions, there is a strategic opportunity for Namcor to play a pivotal role in our nation’s hydrogen economy. Drawing inspiration from the successful model implemented by Hydrom in Oman, Namcor can contribute significantly to the development and management of our green hydrogen infrastructure,” stated the delegation’s Green Hydrogen program report.
Namcor’s potential to mirror the success of Oman’s Hydrom is a central theme in the report. It highlights Namcor’s ability to facilitate the development and management of essential infrastructure, such as pipelines and storage facilities, drawing on its extensive experience in managing petroleum supplies.
An initial feasibility study is recommended to explore Namcor’s expanded role in the green hydrogen sector. The report underscores Namcor’s unique position for this transition, emphasizing that by leveraging their existing assets and expertise, Namcor can significantly contribute to Namibia’s green hydrogen ambitions.
“From our initial assessment, Namcor, with its expertise and existing infrastructure, can mirror Hydrom’s success by facilitating the development and management of common user infrastructure like pipelines and storage. Namcor’s existing operations in oil, gas, and minerals uniquely position it to transition into hydrogen management,” the report elaborates.
The report also highlights the crucial role of foreign direct investment (FDI) in building the infrastructure necessary for green hydrogen production, storage, transportation, and distribution.
“Foreign Direct Investment is crucial in building the necessary infrastructure for the production, storage, transportation, and distribution of green hydrogen. By attracting international investors and establishing partnerships with countries like Belgium and the EU, Namibia can achieve its green hydrogen aspirations,” the report notes.
Belgium’s existing green hydrogen framework is presented as a potential guide for Namibia’s framework development. The report emphasizes the importance of establishing a fit-for-purpose and enabling policy and regulatory framework, drawing on insights from Belgium and other countries.
“Ongoing consultative discussions between Namibian and Belgian authorities will be essential to gain insights into potential hazards that Namibia should be cautious about. Where required, the country should also benchmark with other countries like Morocco and Chile to gain insights on their implementation methodologies in the absence of legislation,” the report advises.
The delegation also highlighted the importance of exploring partnerships with Belgian entities such as Fluxys and DEME Energy, which are currently collaborating with Hydrom in Oman. Fluxys, Belgium’s appointed Hydrogen Network Operator (HNO), manages 4,000 kilometers of pipeline, a liquefied natural gas terminal, and an underground storage facility, and has adapted existing natural gas pipelines for hydrogen transport.
“This innovative approach underscores the potential for leveraging established infrastructure to support the hydrogen economy,” the report states.
DEME, specializing in offshore energy, dredging, marine infrastructure, and environmental works, owns more than 4 GW of green hydrogen pipeline and is actively engaged in offshore energy, maritime infrastructure, green hydrogen, and deep-sea mineral harvesting.
As Namibia positions itself to become a leader in green hydrogen, Namcor’s transformation and strategic international partnerships will be pivotal in realizing the country’s sustainable energy goals.
