BAM pushes the establishment of hydrogen production in Namibia

In order to advance green hydrogen technology, the German National Center for Materials Research and Testing (BAM) is working closely with the University of Namibia and the Namibia Green Hydrogen Research Institute.

This is why BAM plans to get engaged in the education of future Namibian academics by funding the creation of Ph.D. fellowships. The overall objective is to rapidly increase the capacity for the secure generation of environmentally friendly hydrogen across the country.

Germany must rely on imports to meet around 80% of its long-term demand for green hydrogen. Meanwhile, Namibia has some of the world’s greatest conditions for the low-cost manufacturing of the CO2-neutral energy carrier. In Africa, it is considered the best of its kind. The German government consequently opted to sign a declaration of intent with Namibia in August to form a hydrogen collaboration.

With its hydrogen Competence Centre H2Safety@BAM, BAM is at the forefront of research in Germany into the reliability of hydrogen technology, and it regularly provides advice to the Federal Government. In light of the upcoming hydrogen cooperation, BAM has been working closely with the University of Namibia and the Namibia Green Hydrogen Research Institute. In order to foster confidence and adoption of green hydrogen technologies in Namibia, the collaboration places a special emphasis on safety considerations.

The next steps in the cooperation were recently solidified during a visit from a delegation from the University of Namibia. The delegation included the Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Kenneth Matengu, the Pro-Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Anicia Peters, the Director of Corporate Engagement and International Relations, Dr. Marius Kudumo, and the Acting Director of the Namibia Green Hydrogen Research Institute, Dr. Zivayi Chiguvare.

As of the year 2023, BAM will fund five doctoral fellowships for young researchers in Namibia, and it will also host Master of Science students from around the world who are interested in studying renewable energies and green hydrogen technologies during research stays in Berlin and taking advantage of BAM’s accelerated qualification programs. H2Safety@BAM Competence Centre researchers will deliver talks in Namibia and online. In addition to funding its own research, BAM contributes to the research initiatives of the University of Namibia and the Namibia Green Hydrogen Research Institute. To help with Namibia’s ongoing industrialization, the two countries have agreed to work together to improve the country’s laboratory capacity and establish a quality and standardization infrastructure for green hydrogen technology.

“Intensified collaboration is beneficial for both parties.” “Prof. Dr. Ulrich Panne, BAM’s President, states this. “The current situation highlights the critical nature of energy sector restructuring. For this reason, we believe it is crucial for Namibia’s economic growth that the full value chain for green hydrogen be kept in Namibia.