In the past 12 months, Namibia has seen several updates to its leading hydrogen projects, as well as launched new developments. Last November, the Namibia Green Hydrogen Institute partnered with Germany’s Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing to pilot a green hydrogen production plant and filling station near Walvis Bay. The launch of the pilot underscores Namibia’s commitment to establishing a green hydrogen value chain, in collaboration with international partners. Meanwhile, a number of public and private sector-led projects have advanced to new stages, bringing in an influx of capital and technical support.
Tsau-Khaeb Secures Additional Funding
Hyphen Hydrogen Energy – developer of Namibia’s largest green hydrogen facility, located in the Tsau-Khaeb National Park – has recently undertaken a series of strategic initiatives to secure additional funding for project deployment. Last December, the company signed a deal with SDG Namibia One Fund, the country’s dedicated green hydrogen blended finance vehicle, to secure €23 million in capital. The financial backing, in exchange for a 24% stake in the $10- billion venture, is a crucial step in advancing the project.
Hyphen Hydrogen Energy has also partnered with the Development Bank of Southern Africa, securing a €5-million Project Preparation Funding Facility. Collaboration with Japan’s ITOCHU Corporation and engineering firm ILF Consulting have also enhanced the firm’s technical capabilities for successful project deployment. Once operational, the project will produce 350,000 tons of green hydrogen per annum and generate 15,000 jobs during construction and 3,000 permanent positions, while contributing to GDP growth, energy security and emissions reduction.
RFP Results to be Announced
Last October, James Mnyupe, Presidential Advisor and Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Commissioner, issued an update on the status of Namibia’s Request for Proposals (RFPs) for conducting feasibility studies for the establishment of hydrogen valleys in Kharas, the Port of Walvis Bay, Windhoek and Kunene. According to Mnyupe, the results of the RFPs are slated for release in early-2024. Constituting a significant component of the country’s Green Hydrogen Strategy and Green Industrialization Agenda, the planned hydrogen valleys are expected to position Namibia as a key producer of ammonia, synthetic fuels and hot briquetted iron. The projects will help Namibia achieve its goal of creating 84,000 and 183,000 direct jobs in the hydrogen sector by 2030 and 2040, respectively.
HDF Energy Announces Planned Facility
Last September, France’s HDF Energy announced plans to develop a 1,400 tons-per-annum green hydrogen facility in Swakopmund. The facility – known as Renewstable – will enhance the resilience of the national grid by providing on-demand dispatchable energy, load following, system protection, grid support and system restoration. Construction of the facility is anticipated for 2024, with the firm having secured the European Investment Bank as a financing partner.
Namibia Expands Partnership with Europe
Namibia expanded its collaboration with the European Union (EU) last October, when European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Namibian President Hage Geingob endorsed a roadmap for the EU–Namibia strategic partnership. The EU pledged €1 billion towards Namibia’s green hydrogen value chain, including infrastructure development at the Port of Walvis Bay. Last August, Namibia also secured German funding for four green hydrogen projects. Additionally, Namibia partnered with the Netherlands in establishing NH2 Fund Managers to raise and direct funds for green hydrogen projects
