Hyphen Hydrogen Energy gets environmental clearance

The Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism has issued Hyphen Hydrogen Energy (HHE) a three-year environmental clearance certificate for its proposed US$10 billion project in Tsau//Khaeb National Park.

HHE is a Namibian registered green hydrogen development company formed to develop green hydrogen projects in Namibia for domestic, regional and international supply.

The company was awarded preferred bidder status on about 4 000 square kilometres of land within the Tsau //Khaeb for the development of Namibia’s first green hydrogen project.

The project is being developed as the first step in the implementation of the government’s strategy for the development of a large-scale green hydrogen industry in various regions of Namibia.

This will support both economic growth in Namibia and assist the world in achieving its decarbonisation goals.

This US$10 billion project is planned to be developed in phases, at full development targeting 350 000 metric tonnes of green hydrogen production a year from 5GW of renewable generation capacity and 3GW electrolyser.

According to a statement issued by Robyn Christians of SLR Environmental Consulting (Pvt) Ltd, the certificate issued on 15 May 2023, authorises HHE to install 10 meteorological masts and light detection and ranging remote sensors in two concession areas of the park.

This will enable the company to better understand the suitability of the wind resource in the concession areas, Christians said.

According to the environmental certificate signed by environment commissioner Timoteus Mufeti, the certificate is valid for three years from the date of issue.

Once fully developed, the hydrogen project will employ an estimated 3 000 people, with 15 000 construction jobs supported over the four-year construction period. Over 90% of these jobs are expected to be filled by locals.
– email: matthew@namibian.com.na