By Staff Reporter
WINDHOEK, Aug. 9 — Hyphen Hydrogen Energy (Hyphen) and ITOCHU Corporation (ITOCHU), one of Japan’s largest general trading and investment companies, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to explore potential collaboration in driving forward sub-Saharan Africa’s largest and only fully vertically-integrated green hydrogen project.
The landmark multi-billion-dollar green hydrogen project will now see discussions between Hyphen and ITOCHU on areas of possible collaboration. The MoU was signed by Shinya Ishizuka, ITOCHU’s CEO of Africa Bloc, and Marco Raffinetti, Hyphen’s CEO. The signing ceremony was witnessed by Nishimura Yasutoshi, Japan’s Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry, and Tom Alweendo, Namibia’s Minister for Mines and Energy.
Marco Raffinetti, CEO of Hyphen, expressed optimism about Japan becoming a crucial demand centre for green ammonia on a global scale. He emphasized the potential for collaboration with ITOCHU to enable the supply of green hydrogen to this critical market. Raffinetti believes that Namibia, with its unique competitive advantages in green hydrogen production and the continuous support of the Government of the Republic of Namibia in developing its green hydrogen economy, could become a long-term strategic partner to Japan.
Shinya Ishizuka, CEO of Africa Bloc, ITOCHU, highlighted the company’s commitment to contributing to a low-carbon society in collaboration with Hyphen. With the development of green ammonia in Namibia, ITOCHU aims to create various ammonia value chains for both existing industrial applications and future energy usage. The company intends to support clients and industries in achieving low carbonization goals, with a specific focus on Japan, Asia, and surrounding markets. Ishizuka also emphasized ITOCHU’s plans to enhance its industrial portfolio in the energy sector while actively pursuing decarbonization activities in various prospective industries.
This partnership between Hyphen and ITOCHU marks a significant step towards advancing green hydrogen projects in sub-Saharan Africa. The collaboration is expected to foster sustainable development and contribute to the ongoing global efforts in reducing carbon emissions and promoting a more environmentally-friendly future.
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