A group of local and international experts last week wrapped up a three-day seminar aimed at laying the groundwork for a groundbreaking legislative framework supporting environmentally friendly energy sources.
The workshop, focused primarily on green hydrogen and the development of low-carbon industries, was organised by the Ministry of Mines and Energy, the Office of the Attorney General, the Ministry of Justice, and the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme office.
Green hydrogen commissioner James Mnyupe said the insights and collaborations stemming from this seminar would play a crucial role in shaping the country’s energy policies and legislation.
“The event was designed to facilitate a deeper understanding of Namibia’s energy transition priorities, emphasising a transition to renewable energy, critical infrastructure, economic growth, industrial development, social development, and other national objectives,” Mnyupe said.
Global experts, in conjunction with local specialists, exchanged valuable information on regulatory and licensing frameworks, international tax incentives, inventive policy strategies, and the most recent advancements in green certification and standards.
“These insights added depth to the discussion, enriching participants’ understanding of global best practices, and expanding the horizons of possibilities for Namibia,” Mnyupe said.
He said the Ministry of Justice, in partnership with Ellis Shilengudwa Inc, carried out an initial gap analysis of the formulation of synthetic fuel legislation.
“While this process is ongoing, the findings from this analysis were shared with workshop participants to sensitise them to the key areas that should be considered during the legislative development process,” Mnyupe said.
Other outcomes of the workshop include enhancing stakeholders’ understanding of the step-by-step process for crafting impactful policies and legislation, defining the preliminary scope of legislation, and presenting a potential legislative roadmap.
The workshop also proposed the establishment of a national coordination group and sub-focal groups to drive the development of green hydrogen policy and legislation.
The workshop further provided a platform for essential stakeholders to receive updates on the progress of ongoing initiatives in the field of green industrialisation.
“The goal was to explore how these initiatives can be seamlessly integrated with existing efforts, thereby creating a synergy for maximum socio-economic impact,” Mnyupe said.
The workshop received support from key developmental partners such as the African Legal Support Facility and the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit.
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