Hyphen Hydrogen Energy has forged a partnership with ILF Consulting Engineers (ILF) to propel the implementation of a groundbreaking green hydrogen project in Namibia.
This collaboration is poised to infuse technical expertise, project management prowess, procurement strategies, and implementation support into the venture, aiming to fulfill both energy and socio-economic development goals.
Hyphen’s ambitious undertaking is set against the breathtaking backdrop of Namibia’s Tsau Khaeb National Park. The primary objective of this project is to establish a robust green hydrogen ecosystem, with the initial phase aimed at producing a notable one million tonnes of green ammonia. Yet, this is only the stepping stone. Hyphen’s grand vision extends to scaling up annual production to an impressive two million tonnes by the year 2029. The audaciousness of this endeavor is further underscored by its ultimate potential – the generation of a staggering 350,000 tonnes of green hydrogen on a yearly basis.
Guided by its rich experience in orchestrating hydrogen projects on a global scale, ILF emerges as a strategic partner in this initiative. With a notable track record including pioneering projects such as Canada’s inaugural green hydrogen endeavor, the engineering marvel of Finland’s hydrogen pipeline system, and the design prowess behind Austria’s hydrogen plant, ILF brings valuable insights and know-how to the Namibian venture.
Underlining the broader context of this partnership, Dr. Michel Kneller, the Director of Hydrogen at ILF, emphasizes the paramount significance of hydrogen in the energy transition. Dr. Kneller asserts that hydrogen stands as a linchpin in the comprehensive transformation of our energy landscape, underscoring its potential to reshape not only our power sources but also the very fabric of our society.
Marco Raffinetti, the CEO of Hyphen, views this collaboration with ILF as an unequivocal testament to the growing interest and enthusiasm surrounding Namibia’s green hydrogen endeavors. Raffinetti sees the partnership as an affirming signal of the global community’s recognition of the nation’s potential as an investment destination for pioneering sustainable energy solutions. He specifically points out Namibia’s unique appeal, bolstered by its low-cost and advanced large-scale green hydrogen projects.
This collaboration operates within a larger governmental strategy of Namibia. The Namibian government has already granted approval to the project, aligning it with the nation’s vision of fostering a substantial hydrogen industry across various regions. To support this ambition, the government has committed a noteworthy investment of $10 billion, positioning green hydrogen as a pivotal catalyst for economic growth and sustainable development.
The green hydrogen ambitions of Namibia have transcended national boundaries. Hyphen recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ITOCHU Corporation, a prominent Japanese trading and investment company. This agreement is a testament to the global resonance of Namibia’s green hydrogen vision, reaching across continents to find synergies and potential avenues for collaboration.
The project’s momentum received a significant boost in May 2023, as the Cabinet of the Government of the Republic of Namibia offered its official approval. To guide the project’s multi-dimensional journey, a Feasibility and Implementation Agreement (FIA) has been established. This comprehensive agreement will navigate the project’s development, implementation, and eventual operation, ensuring a robust and sustainable outcome.
As Namibia strides toward energy sustainability and a greener future, the partnership between Hyphen Hydrogen Energy and ILF Consulting Engineers emerges as a beacon of collaborative innovation, laying the foundation for a monumental transformation in the global energy landscape.