Rotary kiln enroute to kickstart domestic green iron …as Namibia’s green hydrogen projects show good progress

Rotary kiln enroute to kickstart domestic green iron …as Namibia’s green hydrogen projects show good progress

Namibia continues to exploit its renewable energy potential and smart relationships to position itself as a significant participant in the global green hydrogen market. Through these renewable efforts, the country aims to promote economic growth, create significant employment, and contribute to the worldwide fight against climate change.

On Wednesday, green hydrogen commissioner James Mnyupe touched on several developments in the emerging green sector.

In the quest for Namibia to become the first country in the world to industrially produce iron at zero emissions, a N$600 million green iron project, known as HyIron Oshivela, is well on track to kickstart the environmentally-friendly production before the end of this year.

In this regard, Mnyupe noted Namibia is scheduled to receive her first green iron kiln in September 2024. Through this project, the country aims to produce 15 000 tonnes of direct reduced iron (DRI) each year, and in the process plans to establish a new standard in green industrialisation.

A rotary kiln is the key reactor vessel where the reduction of iron ore takes place in the green production process, producing DRI as the intermediate product. This avoids the use of coal and any associated carbon emissions of traditional ironmaking.

Global demand for iron is projected to increase rapidly from 1.9 billion tonnes per year (current) to 2.2 billion tonnes by 2030.

In an interview with this publication, HyIron managing director Johannes Michels said the project currently employs 160 people, who work directly and indirectly in the construction and process development of the HyIron project. 

He further commended local government, saying it had supported the project through transparent and efficient public administration that aids largely in the realisation phase of a project. 

Currently, Namibia has eight active green hydrogen projects, namely Hyphen, Elof Hansson, HDF Energy, HyIron, Zhero, Cleanergy Solutions, Daures Hydrogen Village and Hyrail. The largest and most significant of these is the Hyphen Hydrogen Energy project, strategically located in the Tsau //Khaeb National Park.

The commissioner, who doubles as Presidential economic advisor, added that the green hydrogen sector is poised to create substantial employment, with Hyphen Hydrogen Energy alone expected to require 15 000 workers during construction, and 3 000 permanent employees once in full production. 

Economic modelling suggests the sector could generate
250 000 jobs by 2040, significantly boosting Namibia’s economic growth. Furthermore, local procurement for these projects has been identified as a priority, with a target to source 30% of goods and services domestically.  

“Green hydrogen is central to Namibia’s broader energy strategy, playing a pivotal role in the country’s transition to a sustainable energy economy. The sector is expected to significantly reduce Namibia’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions, potentially by up to 75 million tonnes per year by 2040, a figure that far exceeds the country’s current emissions,” observed Mnyupe.

Upcoming summit

Interestingly, Namibia is set to host the inaugural edition of the Global African Hydrogen Summit (GAH2S) in Windhoek next week, from 3 to 5 September 2024.

The three-day summit is expected to convene heads of state, ministers, business leaders, project developers, investors, technologists and end- users from across Africa and around the globe to drive partnerships for, and critical investments and financing into, bankable green energy projects of strategic and national importance across Africa.

Mnyupe said important announcements will be made at next week’s summit to further solidify Namibia’s position as a leader in green hydrogen. -mndjavera@nepc.com.na