Namibia, SA partner on Africa’s first green hydrogen pipeline

Namibia and South Africa have joined forces to explore the feasibility of a green hydrogen pipeline.

This initiative was outlined by green hydrogen commissioner James Mnyupe in an agreement signed at the May World Hydrogen Summit 2024.

“This initiative aims to position Namibia as a strategic logistics hub, providing clean energy connections to the hinterland and beyond,” Mnyupe says.

He says the agreement is a collaborative effort to assess the potential for large-scale green hydrogen infrastructure connecting the two nations.

It came into effect in Cape Town on 9 July.

“The project will be rolled out with a budget of N$4,8 million and will explore technical, commercial, financial, legal, environmental, socio-economic and operational dimensions of the project,” he says.

Mnyupe says using renewable energy sources like sun and wind is widely recognised as a crucial element in the transition to a low-carbon economy.

The Namibia-South Africa partnership will acknowledge the advantages of green hydrogen, he says.

Minister of mines and energy Tom Alweendo says the research would evaluate the project’s technical, commercial, environmental and social viability with an emphasis on environmental, social and governance best practices.

“If successful, this pipeline could be the first intra-country hydrogen backbone in Africa, paving the way for the trade of more complex products in southern Africa.

“This is a key step we are taking as we look to unleash the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement and realise the ideals of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want,” he says.

Alweendo says the important parties involved in the project include Gasunie Waterstof Holding B.V., the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme, the Northern Cape Economic Development, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency, the Namibia Green Tourism, Investment and Trade Agency, and Climate Fund Managers.

President Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa in Ocotber 2020 suggested that Namibia and South Africa partner on a potential hydrogen collaboration, since Namibia would establish the Boegoebaai hydrogen power project, which would turn the neighbouring nation into a major supplier of green hydrogen.

“Under the Green Hydrogen National Programme, South Africa has presented a N$300 billion (US$20 billion) investment pipeline that has been classified as a strategic integrated project for rapid development under the nation’s Infrastructure Development Act,” Ramaphosa said at the time.

Alweendo says the project holds immense potential for advancing green hydrogen technology, fostering sustainable development in southern Africa, and propelling the region towards a greener and more prosperous future.