The Youth for Green Hydrogen (Y4H2) scholarship program visibility event, organized by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) and the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL), concluded successfully in Berlin, Germany. The event, held from July 10-13, 2024, showcased the Y4H2 scholarship program’s achievements and highlighted the outcome and need of sustained collaboration in the field of green hydrogen.

Key Achievements of the Event

• Networking and Collaboration: The event provided a platform for Y4H2 students to connect with German institutions, industry representatives, and policymakers, fostering valuable partnerships and knowledge exchange.
• Academic Exchange: Participants engaged in insightful discussions on academic cooperation, exploring opportunities for future collaborations and research projects.
• Student Showcase: Y4H2 students presented their research projects, demonstrating their innovative approaches to green hydrogen technology.
• Institutional Partnerships: The event solidified partnerships between SASSCAL, BMBF, and German and Namibian institutions, reinforcing their commitment to supporting green hydrogen development in Namibia.

Notable Moments

• Visit to BMBF: As part of the visibility event, Y4H2 students, SASSCAL and Namibian delegates had the honor of visiting Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger and Green Hydrogen Commissioner Mr. Till Mansmann at the BMBF. Minister Stark-Watzinger expressed her pleasure in meeting the Y4H2 students, noting that they will be trained as the next generation of experts, preparing Namibia’s energy sector for the integration of green hydrogen.

The students were joined by H.E. Martin Andjaba (Namibian Ambassador to Germany), Prof. Kenneth Kamwi Matengu (Vice Chancellor, University of Namibia), Dr. Erold Naomab (Vice Chancellor, Namibian University of Science and Technology), and Dr. Jane Olwoch (Executive Director, SASSCAL). SASSCAL was honored to showcase the students’ progress to BMBF.

• Video Statement by BMBF: At the official opening of the event, Stefan Müller, Director General ‘Provision for the Future – Basic Research for Sustainable Development’ at the BMBF, delivered a video statement expressing his support for the Y4H2 program and its alignment with global efforts to transition to a sustainable energy future. Mr. Müller emphasized the importance of investing in human capital for Namibia’s green hydrogen ambitions. The Y4H2 scholarship program, a collaboration between BMBF, Germany and Namibia, equips young Namibians with the expertise needed to lead the country’s green hydrogen transition. “Our goal is to position Namibia as a leader in the global hydrogen market by nurturing a new generation of skilled professionals. By establishing strong networks and facilitating knowledge exchange, we can create a more competitive and sustainable energy landscape”, he added.

• Message of Support: During the opening session of the visibility event conference day H.E. Martin Andjaba, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Namibia to Germany, delivered an inspiring address, emphasizing the importance of the Y4H2 program for Namibia’s green future. He encouraged the students to continue their groundbreaking work and bring their expertise back home to contribute to the country’s development. In addition, the Ambassador acknowledged SASSCAL’s roles and expressed his strong support for SASSCAL’s efforts in promoting green hydrogen. The ambassador emphasized the embassy’s commitment to support all stakeholders involved in this crucial sector.

During the visibility event in Berlin SASSCAL and BMBF paid  a courtesy visit to the Namibian Embassy and meat with H.E. Martin Andjaba, Ambassador of the Republic of Namibia to Germany.

• JCOI in Brief: In her presentation, SASSCAL’s Executive Director Dr Jane Olwoch sheds light on SASSCAL’s groundbreaking green hydrogen programs and other initiatives at the Youth for Green Hydrogen (Y4H2) scholarship program visibility event.

Dr. Olwoch expressed her gratitude to the BMBF for their unwavering support in Southern Africa. Their funding of the H2Atlas Southern Africa, Pilot Projects, and Y4H2 Scholarships has been instrumental in laying the foundation for future green hydrogen initiatives in the region.

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, the role of SASSCAL is to oversee, coordinate, and ensure that projects are implemented as planned.

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 scholarship program has been instrumental in empowering young Namibians with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute to the country’s green hydrogen transition. Under this scholarship programme SASSCAL awarded 150 young Namibia’, pursuing master’s degrees and TVET certificates in renewable energy and green hydrogen.

• Panel Discussion: The visibility event featured an insightful panel discussion on the potential for academic collaboration in green hydrogen, under the theme: Demonstration of Academic Cooperation Partnership under the Y4H2 Scholarship Program. Moderated by Mr. Panduleni Hamukwaya from SASSCAL, the panel included Dr. Erold Naomab (NUST VC), Prof. Kenneth Matengu (UNAM VC), Prof. Thomas Boellinghaus (BAM), and Prof. Dr. Birgit Scheppat (Hochschule Rhein-Main), through online participation. These experts shared valuable insights and explored how the Y4H2 Scholarship Program can foster future partnerships.

• Industry Visits: Y4H2 students and the Namibia delegates had the opportunity to visit prominent German institutions in the green hydrogen sector, including Bundesanstalt für Materialforschung und -prüfung (BAM), Helmholtz-Zentrum Berlin (HZB), and Siemens Energy. These visits provided valuable insights into industry practices and technologies.

A critical moment in our journey toward advancing green hydrogen technology. Our scholarship recipients are at the forefront of green hydrogen innovation, and this visit provides them with invaluable insights into cutting-edge research.

The visibility event was a resounding success, featuring a vibrant poster exhibition and student testimonials. These inspiring Y4H2 scholars, who are currently in Germany as part of the Y4H2 scholarship mobility programme, were the highlight of the event. These talented individuals showcased their groundbreaking research projects and shared their experiences and insights during the event in Berlin.

As the first cohort of students awarded scholarships under the JCoI  they are currently hosted by renowned German institutions. These scholars are gaining invaluable academic knowledge and contributing to advancements in green hydrogen technology. Upon their return to Namibia, they will be well-equipped to support the country’s vision of fostering a sustainable green economy.

As the Y4H2 program continues to evolve, it will to play a crucial role in shaping Namibia’s green future. The program’s success is a testament to the commitment of BMBF, SASSCAL, Namibian government and the participating institutions in fostering innovation and sustainable energy solutions.