About 400 jobs have been created through the eight green hydrogen projects currently active in Namibia.
Green hydrogen commissioner James Mnyupe announced this yesterday.
These projects are the Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, Elof Hansson, HDF Energy, HyIron, Zhero, Cleanergy Solutions, Daures Hydrogen Village and Hyrail initiatives.
“These government-backed projects stand as a beacon of Namibia’s commitment to green energy, having already employed over 400 individuals and channelled approximately N$170 million into small and medium-sized enterprises for essential services,” Mnyupe said.
He said the Hyphen project, which is the largest so far, has reached several milestones, including completing pre-front-end engineering design and installing 10 meteorological masts crucial for data collection.
“The project has attracted global interest, with memorandums of understanding signed to supply over one million tonnes of green ammonia annually,” Mnyupe said.
He said the HyIron project is set to receive Namibia’s first green iron kiln in September.
The project aims to produce 15 000t of direct reduced iron each year, setting a new standard in green industrialisation.
The Cleanergy Solutions project inaugurated its refuelling station this year and is on track to begin green hydrogen production by the fourth quarter of this year, with 80% of the project already completed.
Meanwhile, the Daures Green Hydrogen Village is also nearing completion.
“This project is expected to start green hydrogen and ammonia production by the last quarter of 2024, marking another significant step towards Namibia’s sustainable energy future,” Mnyupe said.
He said international partnerships are crucial to the success of these projects.
An agreement with Germany has already secured €30 million (about N$593 million) in grants for pilot projects.
“International donors, including those from The Netherlands, Germany and the European Union, alongside technical assistance from the World Bank and United Nations Industrial Development Organisation, continue to provide essential support,” he said.
Mnyupe said ongoing collaboration with universities and research institutions are critical for driving innovation and ensuring the successful implementation of these initiatives.
“Local SMEs and consultancies are playing a vital role, ensuring that the solutions developed are tailored to Namibia’s unique conditions,” Mnyupe said.
Additionally, he said the development of the necessary infrastructure, including solar and wind farms, desalination plants and electrolysis facilities, is well underway.
“Plans for storage, distribution networks and port facilities at Lüderitz and Walvis Bay are in progress, ensuring Namibia is well-prepared for hydrogen exports,” he said.
He said the projects are being developed in line with strict environmental standards, including a strategic environmental and social assessment to ensure minimal ecological impact.
“The projects adhere to international standards, such as those set by the International Finance Corporation, to guarantee environmental and social sustainability,” Mnyupe said.
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