Topics around resource management and the socio-economic impacts do not require only a nuanced understanding to avoid search-engine from crash, nor the right blueprint, but gained momentum of resource sustainability. As much as the need to engineer new development in the fourth industrial revolution is concerned, more consideration is needed to diagnose and antagonise the mayhem and enormity that are associated with such a paradigm shift in an industrialised society.
Yes, the world is changing toward a green economy, and will continue to do so. But that does not mean we should stop the search for timeless principles that suit our development. Given the resources that the State has, we have the gumption to have a framework around the green hydrogen project that should be away from partisan beneficiation, but an inclusive one for all. This is given Namibia’s uniqueness in terms of geographical and climate conditions, that has already positioned the country competitively in producing green hydrogen, using renewable energy sources such as wind and solar power, yet at the same time offer a zero emission alternative to the old traditional fossil fuels. However, opportunities always come with a cost, and costs may harm both the ecosystem and the development if not well-aligned with the national development frameworks.
Anatomy
At the onset, as the Namibian nation positioned itself as a potential green hydrogen-producing hub, from the tested outside world, green hydrogen is touted as the next frontier in clean energy production. With so many developments that have taken place in Namibia since independence, the Namibian economy is highly-entrenched in key sectors such as fishing, mining, tourism, and transport. Despite the country being positioned at the seashore of the Atlantic Ocean, one will imagine that a combination of land and ocean resources, if well-harvested and well -apitalised can yield exponential growth in the Namibian economy.
Anathema
If things that matter most be put at the mercy of things that matter least it will be disproportionate. The submission to this is that, for any product that a country produces such as green hydrogen, and gets sold in the market, it will increase our country’s GDP, but that should not be mistranslated with a better off situation of every citizen. In other words, an investment that fails to take into consideration environmental, social and governance aspects is synonymous with a wasteful expenditure kind of investment.
This will bring us down to the section of paramount importance of making sure that social security counts the most in terms of any investment agreement that any nation is undertaking. Despite the country having faced a fledging economy over the past years, more focus is needed to safeguard our national development plans to boost local capacity. Our urgency for technical capabilities, financial capabilities, employment-creation, revenue-creation, and project sustainability should be prudent enough not to benefit only foreign nationals but should be geared towards local participation.
Alignment
As much as the stake of alignment of the national framework is concerned, green hydrogen production should not be taken as a business as usual, but an investment of its kind. As far as green hydrogen has become the meat of the matter and topical daily, it is of paramount importance for the agency responsible for investment promotion (NIPDB) and those responsible for regulating competition (NaCC), to present their involvement to take into consideration the full motion of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises and local businesses on such mega investment.Of course, the most successful way to address poverty that any developing nation can do is through wealth-creation. Namibia must do this by growing the economy in a sustainable, inclusive manner, and through the creation of decent employment opportunities. Fortunately, Namibia is categorised as one of the most stable countries in the world from a macroeconomic perspective. The degree to inject carbon-intensive industries and other related industries that consume much of the green hydrogen will assist in amplifying the employment-creation on a large scale in the same sector.
In addition, value addition should be at the epicentre of this industry to kill resource curse. Eventually, cost-effective production will enable to improve local and regional energy supply at a lower cost, in tandem contributing significantly to the decarbonisation efforts.
In the benign of national interest and prosperity, allow me to conclude by quoting Hosea 4:6 in the Bible, which says, “My people perish for lack of information.” As a developing nation, the road ahead of the hydrogen project may be full of perils and pitfalls. Therefore, we cannot afford ourselves to be on a honeymoon where we cannot correct and guide ourselves toward the path of effective governance, economic advancement, and social progression. Lastly, to gear toward sustainable social, environmental, governance, our national planning should be anchored on our national Vision 2030, which is the compass of multiple national frameworks. In so doing, Namibia will be ushered in the epoch of prosperity and industrialisation.
*Tio Nakasole is a final -year MBA student at NUST, a holder of an Honours degree in Economics. Currently serving as the Sales and Service Manager at HiFi Corporation Namibia. The views expressed do not represent those of his employer.
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