The Namibian Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P), spearheaded by the mines and energy ministry, has been invited to join the International Hydrogen Trade Forum (IHTF).
As a forum member, the country will participate in an annual ministerial meeting and ministerial-CEO roundtable, which is expected to enable Namibia to actively contribute to a global collaboration agenda for advancing the green hydrogen ecosystem.
According to a statement by Green Hydrogen Commissioner, James Mnyupe, the IHTF serves as a pivotal platform for high-level discussions between importing and exporting nations, aimed at fostering the development of global trade corridors for hydrogen and its derivatives.
“Namibia recognises the IHTF as a significant opportunity to enhance its ongoing efforts in scaling up the trade of hydrogen and its derivatives, fostering closer collaboration with partner nations and the private sector to maximise the environmental and socio-economic benefits of hydrogen trade.”
Mnyupe added that in a landmark move towards sustainable industrial development, the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) announced the launch of the “Global Programme for Hydrogen in Industry” in 2021, supported by Austria, China, Germany, and Italy.
“This initiative prioritises social and environmental considerations, particularly in developing nations, aiming to facilitate a just transition to hydrogen. Notably, Namibia is among the countries selected for this ground-breaking programme, marking a significant stride towards sustainable development and environmental stewardship,” Mnyupe stated.
Meanwhile, Germany’s Minister of Economy and Climate Action, and Vice Chancellor, Robert Habeck, recently engaged in discussions with mines and energy minister Tom Alweendo during the Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue. “Minister Habeck expressed keen interest in bolstering cooperation between the two nations to advance green industrial development. Plans for a support package for Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Programme, pending final budgetary approvals, were disclosed during their bilateral meeting. This support package aims to fast-track Namibia’s efforts in developing Common User Infrastructure (CUI), development of local hydrogen-related value chains, and to facilitate public consultation and communication initiatives,” Mnyupe stated.
Moreover, the Hyphen Hydrogen Project in Namibia has received a significant vote of confidence from the German government by being designated as a strategic foreign project of interest to the Federal Republic of Germany.
According to Mnyupe, this recognition underscores the project’s potential to address climate change, enhance economic resilience, and strengthen trade relationships between Germany and Namibia.