Namibia Green Hydrogen Energy Is Eco-friendly

A hydrogen refueling station concept, offering clean and emission-free fuel for greener transportation and industry. Namibia, a country with...

A hydrogen refueling station concept, offering clean and emission-free fuel for greener transportation and industry.

Namibia, a country with abundant natural resources, is emerging as an energy hub on the African continent. Amidst its vast mineral wealth, a new chapter is unfolding, fueled by the potential of green hydrogen and renewable energy. Namibia is poised to become a key player in the global transition to a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

Hyphen Hydrogen Energy has announced its commitment to prioritize environmental sustainability as it embarks on an ambitious green hydrogen project in Namibia, setting up its infrastructure in Tsau //Khaeb National Park, the move draws strong criticism from the environmentalists who are concerned about the environmental impacts. 

In Namibia, the potential of green hydrogen shines as bright as our desert sun, illuminating a path towards a sustainable energy future.

The Tsau ǁKhaeb National Park also known as ''Sperrgebiet'' in German is a prohibited diamond mining area located in the Namib Desert. It stretches along the Atlantic Ocean coast from Oranjemund to Lüderitz, covering a distance of 320 kilometers in total. 

The word "Tsau ǁKhaeb" means "young sand dunes" in the Nama language. The Tsau ǁKhaeb National Park is known for its unique environment and diverse wildlife. Despite its arid conditions, the park supports a range of animal species that have adapted to survive in this harsh desert landscape.

 Here are some of the animals found in the park: Gemsbok (Oryx gazella), Springbok, Ostrich, Black-backed jackal, Bat-eared fox, Cape fur seal, Elephants, and Reptiles including lizards, geckos, and various snakes. These are just a few examples of the wildlife that can be found in the Tsau ǁKhaeb National Park.

Experts are studying the environmental and social impact of green hydrogen with concern.

The Hyphen Hydrogen Energy reassures the community that it aims to address concerns about potential environmental impacts, after setting up the wind parks, pipelines, and high-voltage power lines that may encroach on the biodiversity (flora and fauna) in the park. 

Hyphen emphasizes its adherence to Namibia's environmental laws and UN environmental and social sustainability, as outlined in the International Regulations. Hyphen CEO, Marco Raffinetti, highlights the importance of developing the project in an environmentally sustainable manner to secure funding and meet the demands of off-taker countries interested in purchasing green hydrogen. 

The company has engaged SLR Consulting, an international environmental consulting firm, to conduct specialist studies and prepare an environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) report. This report will be submitted to the Ministry of Environment, Forestry, and Tourism as part of the application for an environmental clearance certificate. Hyphen is dedicated to collecting environmental baseline data and incorporating it into the project design to minimize potential environmental impacts.

Protection of Cultural Heritage

Hyphen has also taken steps to identify and assess the potential impact of the project on cultural heritage sites within the project area. The involvement of cultural heritage specialists ensures that any potential impacts on these sites can be mitigated effectively. The government, through the tourism ministry, restricts access to the Tsau //Khaeb National Park to protect its cultural heritage, including sites such as the museum at Kolmanskop, Pomona Ghost Town concession, and the Bogenfels rock arch.

Solar farms and wind turbines stand tall against the backdrop of the Namibian desert.

Hyphen has initiated a public stakeholder engagement process to involve local communities and interested parties in the project. This approach ensures transparency and allows for the incorporation of diverse perspectives in decision-making. 

The government of Namibia is fully aware of the need to introduce legislative amendments and incentives to support the green hydrogen sector without compromising environmental protection. The government has sought international expertise through the African Legal Support Facility to conduct a national workshop aimed at drafting potential amendments to existing laws or creating new legislative bills to foster green industrialization.

Job Creation 

Namibia's President Hage Geingob recently announced ambitious plans for the country's green economy, projecting significant job creation and economic growth. However, economists have expressed skepticism about the feasibility of these projections. 

The president made these statements during his keynote speech at the Africa Energy Week conference in Cape Town, emphasizing the potential of the green hydrogen sector and the establishment of a clean synthetic fuels industry. While the government sees these initiatives as transformative, economists caution against exaggerated job figures and emphasize the current challenges of unemployment and poverty in the country.

A state-of-the-art electrolyzer facility concept, utilizing renewable energy to convert water into green hydrogen.

President Geingob stated that Namibia's green hydrogen shift could generate over 600,000 new job opportunities, nearly doubling the existing employment numbers within the next 17 years. He also estimated that the country's gross domestic product (GDP) could increase from N$58.6 billion to N$115 billion by 2040. 

However, economists, including Omu Kakujaha-Matundu, argue that these figures are highly exaggerated. They believe that while jobs will be created, the extent of the president's projections is unrealistic and may not materialize.

Namibia's journey towards a sustainable energy future is driven by the belief that green hydrogen holds the key to unlocking our potential and powering our nation's progress.

Political analyst Rui Tyitende criticizes the government's focus on long-term job creation plans that do not address the current pressing needs of the population, such as high unemployment rates, pervasive poverty, and widening inequality. Tyitende also points out that President Geingob's term will end before the estimated jobs are created, raising concerns about accountability and the government's track record of over-promising and under-delivering.

Namibian storage of green hydrogen, contributes to the country's sustainable energy goals and job creation.

President Geingob announced Namibia's comprehensive strategy to establish a clean synthetic fuels industry, which would serve as the foundation for green industrialization. He argued for the coexistence of green hydrogen and oil and gas industries, highlighting the challenges faced by less affluent nations in competing with wealthier counterparts that exploit both non-renewable and renewable energy sources. Geingob emphasized the need for Namibia to benefit from the energy mix and to diversify the economy.

Namibia's recent hydrocarbon discoveries, including the Kudu gas fields and commercial oil volumes in the Orange Basin, have led the president to believe that the country is on the verge of a significant hydrocarbon industry. Geingob sees this as an opportunity to boost revenue and expand and diversify the Namibian economy.

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