Various programs are being implemented by public institutions to enhance capacity within the renewable energy industry – what’s left is the need for private collaboration to drive the industry forward.
Namibia’s tertiary institutions are calling for increased collaboration with the private sector to strengthen capacity building and skills development across the country’s emerging renewable energy and green hydrogen industries.
Speaking during the Namibia International Energy Conference (NIEC) 2024, in Windhoek, Namibia, Helvi Ileka, Acting Director of the Namibia Energy Institute at the Namibian University of Science and Technology (NUST), stated that while various programs are in place to bolster specialized training, partnerships with project developers and hands-on training are areas which are missing and can be strengthened in Namibia.
“We have a mandate to build the capacity [of Namibians]. We also conduct research and development and assist the Ministry, technically, in the development of policy and regulatory framework. Training institutions can provide capacity but we need the industry to provide on-the-job training,” she said.
Namibia has ambitious plans in the renewable energy and green hydrogen industry, aiming to produce between 10-12 million tons per annum of hydrogen equivalent by 2050. Jens Wulff, CEO, Neuman & Esser Group, stated that “We see Namibia to have the potential to become [in renewables] what Saudi Arabia has become in fossil fuels. To get there and to be able to capture this potential, we need projects which are hands-on and at the same time develop the skillset in the country.”
These objectives, as well as the various capacity building programs, are being led by the country’s green hydrogen strategy.
“The green hydrogen and derivatives strategy was developed in 2022 and outlines key initiatives and strategies that will allow the country to achieve its ambitions. This is where the Green Hydrogen Program comes in. It was formally established two months ago. In ensuring we stick to our objectives we facilitate the establishment of a conducive environment to catalyze investment in the country,” stated Joseph Mukendwa, Head of Policy Planning and Strategy, Namibia Green Hydrogen Program.
In addition to capacity building, banking institutions are poised to play an even greater role in supporting the development of the renewable energy industry in Namibia. Naufiku Hamunime, Principal: Sustainability and International Relations at the Bank of Namibia, believes that “As we are seeing the frequency and severity of climate challenges increasing, the scope and role of banking institutions and regulators are changing. We believe that Namibia as a country – which is impacted by the impacts of climate change – needs to play much more of a role in the discussion around sustainability. As a central bank we need to be more on top of monitoring these effects.”
On the financing side, Namibian institutions are already spearheading investment in the sector. Benedict Libanda, CEO of the Environment Investment Fund, stated that “renewable energy is not merely an option but a necessity for our development.” As such, the platform has established a fund to increase access to financing across the Namibian renewable energy sector.
The fund, according to Libanda, is a “blended financing facility that promotes investing in green hydrogen production while supporting infrastructure. We have made two investment decisions in the green hydrogen and the green steel sector – indicating the diversity of this program.”
Energy Capital & Power is a media partner of the Namibia International Energy Conference – taking place in Windhoek on April 23-25, 2024. The 6th annual conference unites industry leaders, business executives and policymakers to engage in dialogue, exchange ideas, create new partnerships and identify strategies to foster a prosperous energy industry in Namibia and beyond. For more information, please visit https://www.nieconference.com/.