The world needs to take action such that it moves in a direction that will be healthy and safe for the coming generation. 

Worley CEO Chris Ashton last week said Namibia is in a unique position to be part of that journey. 

“Namibia has a natural competitive advantage, meaning it has the opportunity to differentiate itself and become a core component of the journey,” he said last week in Davos, Switzerland, at the just ended World Economic Forum.

Worley is an Australian company that operates in almost 50 countries. 

They focus on implementing low carbon projects globally and have been working with a large number of investors on a variety of projects. 

Worley is also working with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) as a knowledge partner to support green hydrogen projects. 

Speaking to industry leaders in Davos, Ashton reinforced the 2020s must be the decade for action. 

He said discussions must be converted into action beyond just opportunity. 

Ashton was speaking at the Namibian house, hosted by President Hage Geingob, to discuss the potential for green hydrogen production and Namibia’s potential for creating a value supply chain. The panel session featured experts from NIPDB and Worley. “Green hydrogen is a central component with enormous potential to support the transition to a lower carbon future. It can help sectors that are struggling to decarbonise. Namibia not just has the natural resource, natural competitive advantage, but it has a clear strategy,” stated Ashton.

He also told potential investors at the gathering that with vast natural resources for renewable energy and infrastructure for export, Namibia is a high rising player in the green hydrogen economy. 

Ashton said the presence of Worley is vital because he believes they are a key component in energy solutions. 

“We have been involved in commercial applications of hydrogen for decades and delivered almost 200 low carbon energy projects in this space and a total of over 3 000 energy transition projects globally. We have expertise in production, transport, storage processing and the use of hydrogen itself,” explained the Worley CEO. 

The Namibian government has committed to using the country’s renewable energy potential to reduce the world’s reliance on carbon-based fuels. 

As such, green hydrogen is key to the country’s future energy systems. 

Experts believe the green hydrogen industry is poised for the most carbon-intensive processes in the energy, chemicals and resources sectors as well as heavy industry and transport. 

In intensifying the fight against climate change and taking advantage of Namibia’s natural resources, the country took part in its debut at the World Economic Forum to attract significant foreign direct investment, specifically, but not limited to, the green energy sector. 

At the same event, Namibia’s green hydrogen commissioner James Mnyupe directed Namibians to take the opportunity and make it theirs: “Namibians should own the industry, and they should start being proactive”.

Mnyupe added the local agricultural industry has a fantastic opportunity to decarbonise its application and start reducing import substitution because Namibia currently imports most of its fertilisers for agricultural use. 

He made these remarks while touching on some opportunities other sectors may have from the green hydrogen industry, of which a by-product can be fertiliser production.

Meanwhile, President Geingob assured potential investors they will not regret investing in Namibia, as the country has a lot to offer. 

He further urged Namibians to create a conducive environment for investors and not scare them away.

“You must quarrel and disagree without being disagreeable so that when investors come, they will find a place where there is peace and harmony – and they can join and enjoy that peace and then bring money and invest,” said Geingob. 

- mndjavera@nepc.com.na