With the successful contracting of pilot projects and the impending disbursement of cash this year, Namibia’s green hydrogen journey continues to take on momentum.
The pilot projects are the Hyrail Dual-Fuel Locomotive, Daures Green Hydrogen Project, and the Cleanergy Green Hydrogen Service Station.
Namibia is undoubtedly on the right track towards developing affordable, large-scale renewable energy sources, developing models for long-term, sustainable maximisation of tax revenue, local development in renewable energy investments, and the manufacture of green ammonia.
“Exciting progress on-site is anticipated, with commissioning expected in the second quarter of 2024. These projects have already generated over 500 jobs, contributing to the growth of Namibia’s green economy,” shared the country’s green hydrogen commissioner, James Mnyupe.
TransNamib pilot project
In terms of the Hyrail Dual-Fuel Locomotive, TransNamib spokesperson Abigail Raubenheimer told New Era that the dual-fuel locomotive project is one of the initiatives the rail operator has undertaken to lift itself out of the financial doldrums, not having made any profit since its inception. During the 2010-2017 period, the company incurred accumulated losses amounting to over N$4 billion. She said coupled with strategic partners, there is currently nothing that will delay the finalisation of the project once the grant funding required has been released. Raubenheimer noted that the company is thrilled with the potential benefits the project holds, as it provides a key for TransNamib to decarbonise its operations.
“Given that the carbon footprint of rail is already much less than road transport, this could further boost our competitive advantage in moving freight in Namibia in a manner that has less impact on the environment. Furthermore, it could potentially provide us with a strategic advantage to provide this essential technology to the African continent from a local platform,” she noted.
Daures Green Hydrogen Project
Last month, the multimillion-dollar Daures green hydrogen project was roughly 66% of the way through construction. Jerome Namaseb, the consortium CEO, stated that production will begin in June 2024.
He added that phase one includes the pilot project, which is from 2022-2024; phase 1.5 follows from 2024-2027, where green fertiliser production starts; phase two includes the regional and international export of green ammonia from 2029 - 2032; and phase three, which is beyond 2032, is for the international export of green ammonia.
Green hydrogen service station
Cleanergy Solutions Namibia, a joint venture between the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group and CMB.TECH, is expected to bring Africa’s first public green hydrogen refuelling station.
Solar energy is used on-site at the hydrogen production facility located in Walvis Bay, Namibia to produce hydrogen. This cutting-edge facility will provide hydrogen for use in railway applications, port machinery and trucks. A Hydrogen Academy will be built as a crucial component of this project to instruct and teach locals in hydrogen technology and its many applications.
The hydrogen refuelling station is expected to be fully-operational by mid-2024.
Equity Stake
Furthermore, sharing an update on the progress of the new industry, Mnyupe said Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, the preferred bidder for Namibia’s first-ever large-scale vertically-integrated green hydrogen project, has secured funding for the 24.1% government equity stake in partnership with SDG Namibia One.
“Feasibility activities are scheduled to commence in quarter one of 2024, with over 30% of the requisite funding already mobilised from external sources. Strategic economic diplomacy efforts have attracted 30 million euros (€30 million) from the European Investment Bank, representing more than two-thirds of the feasibility budget,” updated the commissioner.