Anna M. Ndadi
In the pursuit of a sustainable and eco-friendly future, the spotlight is firmly fixed on green hydrogen – an innovative solution with the potential to revolutionise the energy landscape.
As the global community strives to curtail carbon emissions and combat climate change, the significance of green hydrogen cannot be overstated. However, it is imperative to question whether we truly comprehend how green hydrogen operates, and the technical intricacies that underpin its success.
Numerous discussions and forums on green hydrogen have taken place around Namibia, and while I have attended most, if not all of them, I cannot help but notice the lack of concrete, science-backed information in the statements made during these events.
Namibians must come to terms with the fact that appearances can be deceiving. In order to realise the dream of green hydrogen and secure a stake in such transformative projects, we must delve into the scientific underpinnings of hydrogen. While the political aspect is undoubtedly crucial, the initiation of a venture on this scale necessitates a strong foundation in engineering expertise.
A prime example of this commitment can be seen in countries like Japan, where substantial investments are being made in hydrogen research and development, particularly focusing on fuel cells and hydrogen-powered transportation. The Japanese government has set ambitious targets to promote hydrogen infrastructure and applications, aiming to establish hydrogen as a mainstream energy source.
However, it is unfortunate that the Namibian budget appears to be misallocated towards unrealistic projects, hindering the implementation of significant endeavours.
The advent of green hydrogen offers a momentous prospect to realise a sustainable energy future. To achieve economic viability and scalability for green hydrogen, indispensable factors include collaborative endeavours, research and innovations in electrolysis technology, hydrogen storage and transportation. By leveraging the knowledge and expertise of nations like Germany, Japan and Australia, we can pave the way for a brighter and greener future for future generations.
* Anna M. Ndadi, Master of Engineering: Green Energy Conversion Science and Technology from Yamanashi University, Japan.