The Environment Investment Fund of Namibia (EIF) has taken a significant step forward in its pursuit of green hydrogen development by inviting consultancy bids to conduct feasibility studies for three hydrogen valleys identified under the country’s Green Hydrogen Strategy.
These hydrogen valleys, located in the Southern Region (Kharas), the Central Region (including Walvis Bay Port and the capital Windhoek), and the Northern Region (Kunene), have the potential to produce ammonia, synthetic fuels, and hot briquetted iron.
The scope of the feasibility studies encompasses several key aspects, including assessing the renewable energy output potential of the valleys, evaluating the total green hydrogen production capacity, analyzing environmental considerations and impacts, determining the direct and shared infrastructure requirements and associated costs, conducting due diligence on land availability, and exploring green industrialization opportunities. This includes the potential for establishing dedicated green industrial zones within the valleys to facilitate manufacturing using excess electrons generated from the hydrogen projects.
Consultancy bids for the feasibility studies must be submitted by June 2, 2023, with the contract set to be awarded in the same month. According to the Request for Proposal (RFP) document, the selected consultancy firm will have three months to prepare and submit the feasibility report. Notably, the project is supported by the Green Climate Fund, which operates within the framework of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The EIF, in collaboration with the Office of the President’s Performance Delivery Unit (PDU), is responsible for implementing the project through a Readiness Project Team.
The Environment Investment Fund of Namibia, as a state-owned entity, is mandated to mobilize financial resources for direct investment in environmental protection and natural resource management activities and projects. The fund plays a pivotal role in supporting Namibia’s transition towards sustainable and environmentally friendly practices, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
The Green Hydrogen Strategy of Namibia aims to leverage the country’s abundant renewable energy resources, including wind and solar, to establish a robust green hydrogen sector. By embracing green hydrogen production, Namibia aims to unlock opportunities for clean energy export, job creation, and economic growth while reducing its carbon footprint. The feasibility studies for the hydrogen valleys will provide critical insights into the viability and potential impact of these projects, paving the way for informed decision-making and strategic investments in the green hydrogen sector.
