The World Meteorological Organization’s 2023 State of the Climate report confirmed a concerning trend: 2023 was the warmest year on record, surpassing previous records by a significant margin. This marks the tenth consecutive year of record-breaking temperatures, a stark indicator of the accelerating pace of climate change.

Extreme weather events, exacerbated by rising temperatures, are undermining socioeconomic development worldwide. From devastating droughts and floods to intense heatwaves and wildfires, the impacts of climate change are being felt far and wide.

However, there is hope. The transition to renewable energy sources offers a viable path to mitigate climate change and build a more sustainable future. The cost of inaction on climate change far outweighs the cost of taking decisive action.

Southern Africa, unfortunately, has been hit particularly hard by the effects of climate change. The region has experienced severe droughts that have impacted food security, hydropower generation, and other vital sectors. In response, Heads of State have launched a humanitarian appeal to address the urgent needs of affected communities.

The Governments of Namibia and Germany are joining forces to advance their shared interest in the green hydrogen sector, recognizing the potential of this sustainable energy source to drive economic growth and environmental sustainability. This partnership builds on a long history of research collaboration and the strong capabilities both nations have developed in the production, storage, transport, and utilization of renewable energy.

The two countries have committed to enhancing their bilateral cooperation in energy resources, focusing on mutually beneficial social, economic, and environmental impacts. By promoting sustainable development, the partnership aims to accelerate the transition to zero-emission energy in Namibia through the development of green hydrogen production capacities, rapid market expansion, and the establishment of robust value chains at both national and international levels.

In a significant step forward, the Namibian Government and the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) signed a Joint Communiqué of Intent (JCOI) on August 25, 2021. This agreement is worth a capital expense of €40 million over five years, starting in January 2022, to fund strategic projects in Namibia, including pilot plants, research initiatives, and capacity development programs in the green hydrogen sector.

This collaboration marks a pivotal moment in Namibia’s energy landscape, positioning the country as a key player in the global shift toward sustainable, clean energy solutions.

Namibia’s strategic partnership with Germany is poised to revolutionize Southern Africa’s energy sector through a focused investment in green hydrogen. With abundant wind and solar resources, Namibia is uniquely positioned to harness climate-friendly energy solutions that address three major challenges in the Southern African Development Community (SADC): climate management, the regional energy crisis, and sustainable economic development.

The Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL) plays a crucial role in this partnership by enhancing research and human capital development to support SADC’s efforts in delivering clean, safe, and reliable energy. As the coordinator of all green hydrogen and renewable energy projects in the region, SASSCAL is working to scale up pilot projects, gather and report data, and engage stakeholders to boost the visibility of green hydrogen initiatives.

Beyond scientific research and data dissemination, SASSCAL prioritizes capacity development, training young scientists to strengthen the renewable energy sector’s expertise in green hydrogen and energy efficiency across SADC countries. This initiative supports the broader regional goal of building a competent workforce ready to meet the demands of a growing green hydrogen industry.

The partnership, formalized through a Joint Communiqué of Intent signed in 2021, focuses on three key areas:

1. National Hydrogen Strategy

The partnership laid the foundation for Namibia’s green hydrogen economy through the development of a national strategy. Unveiled at the 27th UN Climate Change Conference, the Namibia Green Hydrogen Strategy, developed in collaboration with German experts, highlights the country’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.

2. Capacity Building: The Youth for Green Hydrogen (Y4H2) Scholarship Program

The Y4H2 Scholarship Program aims to prepare young professionals for careers in the green hydrogen sector. Funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and implemented by SASSCAL, the program targets unemployed Namibian graduates and those interested in vocational training in green hydrogen. Scholarship opportunities were made available for studies at the Master’s level and in Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), supporting the development of a green hydrogen-ready workforce.

Scholarship Programme Achievements

• First Cohort:
  • Awarded 30 Master’s scholarships and 60 TVET scholarships in December 2023.
  • Enhanced Namibia’s capabilities in green hydrogen and renewable energy industries.
• Second Cohort:
  • 90 students awarded scholarships (30 Master’s, 60 TVET)
  • 84 students enrolled in 15 institutions across Namibia

Graduation Timeline:

• 1st Cohort: Completion by end of 2024; Graduation in April 2025
• TVET Students: Completion by end of 2025; Graduation in 2026

Institutions Hosting Master’s Students:

1. University of Namibia (UNAM)
2. Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST)
3. International University of Management (IUM)

Institutions Hosting TVET Students: The TVET students are distributed across 15 institutions in Namibia

1. Lingua College
2. Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST)
3. University of Namibia (UNAM)
4. Rundu Vocational Training Centre (VTC)
5. Triumphant College
6. Namibia Institute of Technology (NIT)
7. Namibian Institute of Community Health Education (NICHE)
8. Eenhana VTC
9. Namibia Institute of Mining and Technology (NIMT)
10. Nakayale VTC
11. International University of Management (IUM)
12. Tulipohamba VTC
13. River Higher Education Institute
14. Namibian College of Open Learning (NAMCOL)
15. Atlantic Training Institute

Opportunities for International Experience

As part of efforts to build local expertise in green hydrogen technology, Namibian Master’s students are set to participate in a 3 to 6-month mobility program in Germany. So far, 35 out of 49 students have begun their journey, gaining hands-on experience at 15 prestigious German institutions.

Funded under the Youth for Green Hydrogen Scholarship Programme, this initiative provides comprehensive support to students, enabling them to immerse themselves in world-renowned institutions, gain cutting-edge academic insights, and contribute to innovations in green hydrogen. The program not only strengthens international collaboration but also empowers young Namibian scholars to become leaders in the emerging green hydrogen sector, driving positive change in the region’s sustainable energy landscape.

3. Pilot Projects

Two groundbreaking Namibian-German pilot projects are leading the charge towards a green hydrogen-based economy, marking significant strides in Namibia’s sustainable energy landscape. These projects, which include the Daures Green Hydrogen Village and the Cleanergy Green Hydrogen Plant and Refuelling Station, highlight the country’s commitment to harnessing renewable energy.

Daures Green Hydrogen Village

Located in the Daures Constituency of the Erongo Region, the Daures Green Hydrogen Village, spearheaded by Enersense Energy Namibia, is on track to produce Namibia’s first green hydrogen and green ammonia by the end of 2024. With 80% of the project already implemented, the initiative aims to create local jobs, foster partnerships, and demonstrate practical applications of green hydrogen to stimulate a hydrogen economy. UNAM’s research arm of the project is also exploring innovative uses of green hydrogen, including mineral extraction for industrial applications and the development of materials for electrochemical water splitting.

The University of Namibia (UNAM) is making significant progress in its green hydrogen research at the Daures Green Hydrogen Village, focusing on the innovative applications of green hydrogen. Key areas of study include the extraction of minerals and metals for industrial material development, the production of fertilizers for agricultural use, and the development of copper-based thin films for electrochemical water splitting in green hydrogen generation.

As of August 2024, the project has reached 55% completion, with all work packages on track. UNAM has bolstered its research capabilities with the acquisition of advanced laboratory equipment, including the Miniflex X-ray diffractometer (XRD) machine, to support ongoing scientific studies.

Cleanergy Green Hydrogen Plant and Refuelling Station

The Cleanergy Refuelling Station, a key pilot project in Namibia’s green hydrogen initiative, is making significant strides toward completion. The project aims to develop and test a green hydrogen production and refuelling plant, establishing it as a crucial hydrogen production source for future green hydrogen projects in the country. Key components include a 5 MW solar photovoltaic (PV) plant, a hydrogen production facility, a refuelling station, and the Hydrogen Academy and Office Block.

SASSCAL employees pictured at the Dispenser System/ Refuelling Station at Cleanergy Solutions Namibia

Construction of the plant and refuelling station, which began in mid-2023, is nearly 80% complete as of early August 2024, with all work packages progressing steadily. The facility is expected to be fully operational by the end of Q4 2024, marking a major milestone in Namibia’s transition to green hydrogen energy.

Both the Cleanergy and Daures projects are on track to commence green hydrogen and green ammonia production by the end of 2024. This collaboration builds on previous regional efforts, including the BMBF-funded H2Atlas Africa project, which explores green hydrogen potential across 12 SADC countries under the coordination of SASSCAL.

H2Atlas-Africa Project

The H2Atlas-Africa project, a pioneering collaboration between the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and partners across Sub-Saharan Africa, officially concluded on May 2, 2024, at Forschungszentrum Jülich in Germany. The project aimed to explore the potential for hydrogen production from renewable energy sources across the SADC and ECOWAS regions, yielding groundbreaking results.

The findings reveal a vast capacity for large-scale green hydrogen production throughout Sub-Saharan Africa, positioning the region as a future leader in sustainable energy. The project also underscored the value of international collaboration, with participation from about 100 experts, including national teams, regional technical committees, and representatives from SACREEE and SASSCAL. Key stakeholders, including Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and experts in energy and climate change, played an active role in workshops, further emphasizing the project’s impact and regional commitment to green hydrogen.

The H2Atlas Project has made a substantial impact on Southern Africa, sparking enthusiasm and engagement among research institutions, scientists, policymakers, and the younger generation. This groundbreaking initiative brought together multidisciplinary teams of experts in energy, water, land, climate, socio-economics, law, GIS, and mathematics, a first for the region. These diverse groups fostered innovation through collaborative discussions, driving the development of new ideas and solutions.

One of the most notable outcomes is the creation of the H2Atlas Africa Tool, which has already begun to inspire new projects and applications. Green hydrogen’s potential uses are broad, including applications in the health sector, the production of derivative fuels, desalination, policy development, and export opportunities.

The H2Atlas Project has also paved the way for future green hydrogen initiatives, with results for West and Southern Africa now accessible on an interactive map. This map highlights regional “hotspots” for green hydrogen production, offering a valuable resource for exploring the potential and tracking ongoing developments. Explore the map and stay updated on emerging green hydrogen opportunities at:  https://www.h2atlas.de/en/

The successful completion of the H2ATLAS-AFRICA project marks a significant step towards a sustainable energy future in Sub-Saharan Africa. By tapping into the region’s abundant renewable resources, Africa is poised to become a key player in green hydrogen production, offering a cleaner and more secure energy landscape.

In conclusion, the partnership between Namibia and Germany in advancing a green hydrogen economy represents a significant stride towards sustainable development and climate action. Through their Joint Communiqué of Intent (JCOI), both nations have invested heavily in transformative projects like the Daures Green Hydrogen Village and Cleanergy’s hydrogen production and refueling station. These initiatives harness Namibia’s abundant wind and solar resources, establishing the country as a leader in renewable energy within the SADC region.

Central to this collaboration is the Youth for Green Hydrogen scholarship program, which is vital for nurturing the next generation of green hydrogen experts and supporting the region’s clean energy transition. Additionally, the H2ATLAS-AFRICA project underscores the enormous potential for green hydrogen across Sub-Saharan Africa, enhancing regional and global efforts in clean energy. Together, these endeavors not only advance Namibia and Germany’s shared vision but also lay a solid foundation for a sustainable energy economy that aligns with broader global climate goals and fosters long-term economic and environmental benefits.