University of Namibia embarks on green hydrogen research

Desiree Gases

The University of Namibia (Unam), following its Senate’s approval on 2 September 2021, approved the establishment of the Namibia Green Hydrogen Research Institute.

In May 2021, the university embarked on this initiative to establish a national institute and has since managed to secure a number of local and international partners to drive green hydrogen research in the country, making this the first national green hydrogen research institute in Namibia.

The university has concluded a number of agreements with international universities and local and international private-sector partners in the area of green hydrogen.

The institute will run with the aim to conduct local research and development, and provide innovative solutions that can potentially upskill and reskill Namibians and help the country develop local businesses across the green hydrogen value chain.

The institute’s human resource will be seconded staff and researchers from Unam, other higher institutions, the private sector, the government, international visiting researchers and postgraduate students.

The institute’s focus area ranges from desalination, wind and solar energy, electrolysis, fuel cell technologies, community and societal impact, and emerging technologies areas that Unam has projects on.

Currently, the institute has a total of 67 Unam academic staff members working in 14 research project areas of green hydrogen and ammonia.

“Strategic partnerships also include financing, equipment, training and expertise exchange,” disclosed Professor Anicia Peters, a green hydrogen technical committee member.

The university has kicked off regular research seminars on green hydrogen every Wednesday during lunchtime.