The Namibian Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P), spearheaded by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, has announced that Namibia has been invited to join the International Hydrogen Trade Forum (IHTF).
As a Forum member Namibia will participate in the annual Ministerial Meeting and Ministerial-CEO Roundtable which will enable Namibia to actively contribute to the global collaboration agenda for advancing the green hydrogen ecosystem. The IHTF serves as a pivotal platform for high-level discussions between importing and exporting nations, aimed at fostering the development of global trade corridors for hydrogen and its derivatives.
“Namibia recognizes the IHTF as a significant opportunity to enhance its ongoing efforts in scaling up the trade of hydrogen and its derivatives, fostering closer collaboration with partner nations and the private sector to maximize the environmental and socio-economic benefits of hydrogen trade,” James Mnyupe, Green Hydrogen Commissioner said.
UNIDO Global Programme for Hydrogen in Industry
In a landmark move towards sustainable industrial development, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) announced the launch of the “Global Programme for Hydrogen in Industry” in 2021, supported by Austria, China, Germany, and Italy. This initiative prioritizes social and environmental considerations, particularly in developing nations, aiming to facilitate a just transition to hydrogen. Notably, Namibia is among the countries selected for this groundbreaking program, marking a significant stride towards sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
German Support for Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Programme
Robert Habeck, Germany’s Minister of Economy and Climate Action, and Vice Chancellor, engaged in discussions with Namibian Minister Tom Alweendo of Mines and Energy during the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue (BETD). Minister Habeck expressed keen interest in bolstering cooperation between the two nations to advance green industrial development. Plans for a support package for Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Programme, pending final budgetary approvals, were disclosed during their bilateral meeting. This support package aims to fast-track Namibia’s efforts in developing Common User Infrastructure (CUI), development of local hydrogen-related value chains, and to facilitate public consultation and communication initiatives.
Minister Alweendo explores Siemens Energy’s Gigawatt Electrolyser Factory
Minister of Mines and Energy, Tom Alweendo, embarked on a tour of Siemens Energy’s gigawatt factory in Berlin, which showcases cutting-edge electrolyser production technologies. Siemens Energy expressed interest in exploring opportunities to assemble electrolysers in Namibia, aligning with the nation’s rapidly growing green hydrogen sector.
Hyphen Hydrogen Project Receives German Recognition
The Hyphen Hydrogen Project in Namibia has received a significant vote of confidence from the German Government by being designated as a strategic foreign project of interest to the Federal Republic of Germany. This recognition underscores the project’s potential to address climate change, enhance economic resilience, and strengthen trade relationships between Germany and Namibia.
Namibia to Host Green Hydrogen Symposium with Regional Partners
From 26 to 28 March 2024, the Government of Republic of Namibia, in collaboration with the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) and supported by the German Ministry of Education and Research, will host a Green Hydrogen Programme Symposium. Delegates from Botswana, Angola, South Africa, and Lesotho will gather in Windhoek to exchange insights and experiences, while enhancing regional cooperation and knowledge-sharing in the green hydrogen sector.
International Finance Corporation Visit
The Namibian Green Hydrogen Programme recently visited the International Finance Corporation (IFC) headquarters in Washington DC to discuss the implementation of a world-class Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) for identified green hydrogen valleys in Namibia. This collaboration aims to ensure adherence to the IFC performance standards for Environmental and Social Sustainability, facilitating access to capital from IFC, other Development Finance Institutions, and private sector financiers.
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