NAMIBIA – The German government is providing €40 million (US$47.2 million) in funding to Namibia for research and development of the nascent green hydrogen industry.
The driest country on the African continent has enormous potential for solar energy production that could be used to develop the green hydrogen industry.
“Preliminary estimates of this potential [project] put Namibia’s annual production of green ammonia at more than 2.5 million tonnes, which will attract more than N$6 billion (about €344 million) in foreign direct investment while generating annual revenues of more than N$800 million (about €46 million),” said Obeth Kandjoze, Namibia’s National Planning Commissioner.
According to Kandjoze, the University of Namibia will spearhead research to develop a vibrant green hydrogen industry, with support from other stakeholders in Namibia and from Germany.
According to the recently released second quarterly report of the Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPPII), preliminary uses of the funding include green hydrogen grants, feasibility studies and pilot plant development.
Namibia joins the still very small circle of African countries that have started research into green hydrogen production.
It’s neighbor South Africa with initiatives led by the chemical giant Sasol, Egypt and Morocco, all pioneering countries in the production of renewable energy.
Namibia may not be Africa’s best pupil in this field, but the continent’s driest country has a major advantage in terms of solar energy production and this clean electricity can be used to produce green hydrogen.
At present, Namibia has 680 MWp of installed capacity, of which 517 MW is generated from renewable sources, according to Power Africa.
Part of the German funding will also support the establishment of the Green Hydrogen Council of Namibia.
This council, recently created by the Namibian authorities, aims to accelerate the development of the local green hydrogen industry.
“Preliminary estimates of this potential [project] put Namibia’s annual production of green ammonia at more than 2.5 million tonnes, which will attract more than US$406 million in foreign direct investment while generating annual revenues of more than US$54.3 million”
Obeth Kandjoze – Namibia’s National Planning Commissioner
This happens as chemicals and energy company Sasol having joined the Hydrogen Council, with the aim to help secure the future of hydrogen in South Africa
The Hydrogen Council is a global CEO-led initiative consisting of more than 120 companies from across the hydrogen value chain, with a united vision and long-term ambition for hydrogen to foster the clean energy transition for a better, more resilient future.
Sasol president and CEO Fleetwood Groblersays South Africa is ideally positioned to participate in the green hydrogen economy as it has vast renewable energy resources and the world’s largest platinum group metal reserves.
With over 70 years of experience in coal-to-liquid and gas-to-liquid technology, Sasol is one of the largest hydrogen producers in the world, primarily from coal and natural gas feedstocks, with extensive knowledge in coal gasification and methane reforming.
However, as Sasol positions for a low-carbon future, the role of hydrogen takes on more significance as the company decarbonizes its business and the economy of South Africa.
Earlier in July 2021, Sasol signed a memorandum of cooperation with the State-owned Industrial Development Corporation to jointly advance South Africa’s green-hydrogen economy.
Sasol also announced at the time that it would partner with vehicle manufacturer Toyota to jointly pursue the development of a proof-of-concept demonstration for a green hydrogen mobility ecosystem in South Africa.
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