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

Green hydrogen pilot projects in Namibia 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 says 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 says in a report.

She says 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,” Van der Linden says.

She says these jobs will train up a new generation of 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.

“Jobs and business opportunities will be created through infrastructure upgrades, the expansion of Lüderitz town to provide housing, healthcare, education, security and recreation services 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,” van der Linden says.

She says many economic services are required, such as construction, technical services, maintenance and repair, transport, hospitality and financial services. Buildings, wind and solar farms, pipelines and port facilities will also need to be constructed and maintained.

Meanwhile, environmental and social impact assessments, 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 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.

This large-scale project further targets 30% local procurement of goods, services and materials during the construction and operational phases.
– miningandenergy.com.na/The Brief