South Africa and Namibia sign MOU for GH2 Corridor Initiative

At the World Hydrogen Summit & Exhibition in Rotterdam on May 14th, Wesgro made a significant stride toward investigating a green hydrogen pipeline that would connect the Western SADC green hydrogen corridor. This partnership aims to establish infrastructure linking South Africa's Western and Northern Cape regions with Namibia's Lüderitz/Windhoek region.

Key collaborators include Namibia’s Environmental Investment Fund, Gasunie (a Dutch natural gas leader), the Northern Cape Economic Development, Trade, and Investment Promotion Agency (NCEDA), and Climate Fund Managers, experts in climate finance.

The comprehensive study, slated for completion by the end of 2024, will evaluate technical, commercial, financial, socio-economic, and operational aspects to gauge the feasibility of this green hydrogen corridor. Green hydrogen, derived from renewable energy, holds promise as a solution to global energy needs and climate change mitigation.

Wrenelle Stander, CEO of Wesgro, praised the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) as a pivotal move toward unlocking green hydrogen opportunities and driving economic decarbonization.

World Bank provides N$2.6 billion funding for Namibian power project

Namibia is embarking on a groundbreaking endeavor to bolster its energy infrastructure with a significant financial boost exceeding two billion Namibia Dollars. The country's pioneering initiative, backed by the World Bank with a commitment of $138.5 million (N$2.6 billion), marks a historic milestone in Namibia's energy landscape.

The Transmission Expansion and Energy Storage (TEES) Project, the first of its kind financed by the World Bank for Namibia, aims to fortify the nation's transmission grid and facilitate the seamless integration of renewable energy sources. Comprising three core components, the project will entail the development of the second Auas-Kokerboom transmission line, the establishment of a utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System facility, and the provision of technical assistance to enhance NamPower's capacity in renewable energy project development.

This strategic investment is a testament to Namibia's commitment to sustainable energy practices and economic advancement. Kahenge Haulofu, Managing Director of NamPower, hails the project's approval as a significant stride towards enhancing the country's transmission network, particularly the expansion of the 465 km Auas-Kokerboom line, essential for meeting escalating electricity demands.

The implementation of the Auas-Kokerboom 400kV Transmission line, leveraging advanced tower technology and innovative conductor arrangements, underscores NamPower's proactive approach to meeting evolving energy needs and fostering regional electricity trade. Moreover, the integration of a utility-scale Battery Energy Storage System at Lithops Substation in the Erongo region signifies a pivotal step towards optimizing energy storage and distribution, particularly for burgeoning solar photovoltaic power plants.

The expansion of Namibia's energy infrastructure is not merely a response to current demands but a proactive strategy to cater to future growth and ensure energy security. Satu Kahkonen, World Bank Country Director for Namibia, lauds Namibia's leadership in pursuing sustainable energy solutions aligned with its national development agenda, affirming the World Bank's commitment to supporting NamPower in its journey towards a greener and more prosperous future.

Namibia positions to become Africa’s energy capital

Press Conference: Global African Hydrogen Summit 2024

Windhoek, Namibia – The Global African Hydrogen Summit (GAH2S) received an official launch from Namibian Mines and Energy Minister, Honourable Tom Alweendo, in Windhoek. The event attracted representation from over 26 countries, bringing together stakeholders from various segments of the hydrogen sector value chain. This pioneering investment and multi-stakeholder engagement platform, the first of its kind on the continent, will take place from 3rd to 5th September 2024 in Windhoek, Namibia.

Honourable Alweendo emphasized the inevitability of climate change and energy security challenges and underscored the critical role of climate innovation and decarbonization in shaping a sustainable future. He highlighted hydrogen as a key solution to Africa's energy needs, with Namibia positioned to play a pivotal role in driving towards net-zero emissions.

The Minister stressed the significance of partnerships and collaboration in tackling these challenges, stating, "We understand the importance of adopting a pan-African approach to engaging with the world, aiming to explore and capitalize on the value brought by the development and implementation of all carbon technologies contributing to the realization of green industrialization and sustainable growth for African economies."

Namibia stands strategically to become the sustainable energy capital of Africa, with the potential to produce green hydrogen at less than one and a half US dollars per kilogram. The country boasts abundant solar and wind resources, 46.7 million tons of sustainably harvestable biomass, and vast, sparsely populated landmass.

James Mnyupe, Green Hydrogen Commissioner of Namibia, welcomed the era of green industrialization in the country, noting that hydrogen serves as an accelerator towards the government's Vision 2030.

Nangula Uaandja, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, echoed the government's ambitions for green investments. She emphasized the importance of local content, skills development, youth engagement, and opportunities across the hydrogen value chain, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Africa holds the key to decarbonizing the global energy system through hydrogen made from renewables. However, there are numerous challenges, including financing, investment, infrastructure development, policy, regulation, standards, technology, and demand generation. Addressing these challenges requires partnerships and collaboration.

The Global African Hydrogen Summit aims to address these challenges by inclusively convening heads of state, ministers, government agencies, developers, investors, technologists, academia, youth, startups, end-users, and civil society. The Summit will facilitate collaboration, shape policy, drive critical investment and financing, and broker deals and project closures.

Themed "From Ambition to Action: Fuelling Africa’s Green Industrial Revolution," the three-day Summit will showcase pan-African project and investment opportunities across various sectors, including hydrogen, renewables, power, infrastructure, transportation, and mobility.

Hosted by the Government of the Republic of Namibia, through the Ministry of Mines & Energy, and supported by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board, the summit is expected to attract over 2000 attendees from more than 65 global countries.

Hon. Alweendo extended an invitation to African countries and the rest of the world to participate in the Summit. He emphasized the importance of exchanging ideas and forging partnerships to unlock the full potential of renewable energy resources, enhance energy security on the continent, and beyond.

About The Global African Hydrogen Summit (GAH2S) 2024

In its inaugural edition hosted in Namibia, the three-day Global African Hydrogen Summit (GAH2S) will convene heads of state, government agencies, industry leaders, project developers, investors, thought leaders, and technologists from across Africa and around the globe. The Summit aims to drive critical investments and financing into bankable green energy projects across Africa, spanning hydrogen, renewables, power, infrastructure, transportation, and mobility.

The Summit will feature various engagement opportunities, including masterclasses, leadership dialogues, a strategic conference, investment roundtables, and an international exhibition and innovation hub.

Participation is expected from across the global energy value chain, including heads of state, ministers, bankable projects, delegates, youth, expert industry speakers, exhibitors, startups, and countries from around the globe.

For more information, contact:

Roshan Jan-Mahomed, Head of Marketing – Africa

Email: info@gah2s.com

Website: www.globalafricanhydrogensummit.com

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Africa’s first Hydrogen fuel station in Namibia

Cleanergy Solutions Namibia, a partnership between CMB.TECH and the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group, recently hosted a momentous event at its Walvis Bay site in Namibia. Guided by His Majesty, the King of the Belgians, and H.E. Dr Nangolo Mbumba, President of the Republic of Namibia, the showcase marked a significant stride towards positioning Namibia as a frontrunner in the global green hydrogen economy.

The objective of the event was to spotlight the progress of the Cleanergy Green Hydrogen site, slated to commence operations in the fourth quarter of 2024. The hydrogen refuelling station represents a crucial initial step in the country's commitment to leading renewable energy solutions.

A highlight of the visit was the ceremonial first filling of a dual-fuel truck at the hydrogen refuelling station, graced by His Majesty the King of the Belgians and H.E. Dr Nangolo Mbumba. This event underscored the importance of robust partnerships between Namibian and Belgian entities.

Sven Thieme, Executive Chairman of the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group, remarked, "Today marks a historic juncture, not only for us as a joint venture but for the pioneering spirit of Namibia. With this Cleanergy Green Hydrogen Site, we are channeling over a century's worth of innovation to ignite a revolution in renewable energy."

The Cleanergy site encompasses a hydrogen refuelling station and a production plant powered solely by solar energy. It will support hydrogen-powered trucks, port equipment, railway applications, and small ships, addressing infrastructure needs and bolstering green molecules' connection with maritime activities.

CEO of CMB.TECH, Alexander Saverys, highlighted the significance of decarbonizing industries such as maritime, ports, and mining through renewable energy. He emphasized the production of molecules to power various operations, thus contributing to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Furthermore, Cleanergy, in collaboration with CMB.TECH, Port of Antwerp Bruges, and Namport, is set to launch Africa's first hydrogen-powered vessel. This initiative aims to significantly reduce emissions during port operations, with the Port of Walvis Bay and Namport playing crucial roles.

The Cleanergy Green Hydrogen site also features the establishment of a Hydrogen Academy for knowledge exchange. This initiative aims to upskill Namibians and foster expertise in hydrogen and its economic potentials.

In addition to hydrogen production, the site's future plans include projects such as ammonia bunkering, pipelines, and large-scale hydrogen and ammonia production.