Renewables to power hydrogen ambitions

Government, in collaboration with stakeholders, is developing a comprehensive skill development strategy to nurture domestic talent and attract skilled professionals in the green hydrogen industry.

“Addressing skills shortages and mismatches is pivotal to realising Namibia's green hydrogen ambitions,” says James Mnyupe, the country’s green hydrogen commissioner.

Experts estimate that tens of thousands of jobs will be created in the sector by 2023.

Initiatives like the Namibian Youth for Green Hydrogen Scholarship Programme aim to cultivate expertise in disciplines crucial for the green hydrogen value chain, Mnyupe says.

The Namibian-German partnership, reflected in the Joint Communique of Intent, further bolsters capacity building efforts through scholarships and grant funding, he adds.



Energy

Namibia boasts significant renewable energy capacity, particularly along its coast, which translates into high potential for green hydrogen production, according to Mnyupe.

Green hydrogen, as a cornerstone of sustainable energy production, relies fundamentally on renewable energy sources. Among these sources are geothermal, hydroelectric, solar and wind power.

Geothermal energy, derived from the earth's core, offers reliability but faces limitations in availability and high initial costs.

Hydroelectric energy efficiently generates electricity from flowing water but grapples with challenges related to water availability and environmental impact.

Solar and wind energy, inherently intermittent, necessitate energy storage solutions.

However, the complementarity of solar and wind patterns, with sunlight during the day and wind at night, maintains the viability of green hydrogen production, Mnyupe says.

“Despite concerns about inconsistent power availability, initiatives such as the Met Mast Campaign for wind energy underscore proactive efforts to harness wind resources effectively.”



Feasibility

Lüderitz exemplifies this endeavour, with just three turbines meeting 80% of the town's energy needs, showcasing the feasibility of wind energy utilisation.

Expanding turbine installations in Lüderitz and beyond could provide sufficient energy for broader regions, including the //Kharas Region.

Furthermore, solar projects by Cleanergy Solutions Namibia and Daures Green Hydrogen Village signal progress in integrating solar energy into Namibia's energy mix.

These endeavours lay the groundwork for scaling up renewable energy generation and ensuring consistent power availability.

Namibia's green hydrogen strategy targets substantial production levels by 2050, leveraging its abundant renewable energy potential.

Coastal areas, particularly Lüderitz, emerge as prime locations for wind energy generation, complemented by the country's solar energy prowess.



Investment

Private investment, incentivised by feed-in tariff schemes and competitive auctions, has propelled Namibia's solar energy sector forward, positioning the country competitively in the global arena, Mnyupe says.

“By embracing innovation, investing in education, and fostering collaboration, Namibia is poised to realise its green hydrogen ambitions, contributing significantly to global sustainability endeavours while creating opportunities for sustainable livelihoods.

“Green hydrogen represents not just an energy solution, but a pathway to a more sustainable future, where environmental stewardship and economic prosperity converge,” Mnyupe concludes.