Belgian energy minister Tinne Van der Straeten advocates for a collaborative and inclusive approach to Africa’s green hydrogen development, emphasizing that Africa should maintain control of its renewable resources like wind and solar.
The European Union (EU) has shown support with financial commitments, including a €40 million grant to Namibia for green hydrogen infrastructure. Van der Straeten stressed that African nationals should benefit from their resources without fear, advocating for an inclusive policy.
Global African Hydrogen Summit
During the Global African Hydrogen Summit in Windhoek, Van der Straeten highlighted the importance of collaboration and mutual benefits in green hydrogen development. The summit aimed to unlock Africa’s hydrogen potential and its impact on a sustainable global energy transition. European commissioner for energy Kadri Simson reassured that EU partnerships are rooted in mutual benefits, not exploitation.
Collaborative Efforts
Mines and energy minister Tom Alweendo emphasized the need for global cooperation for the green hydrogen initiative. He called for agreed standards between Europe and Africa to avoid disparate regulations. The EU Commission, teamed with Dutch, German, and Belgian governments, extended support to Namibia’s green industrialization agenda. They provided €8.8 million to fund activities to help Namibia’s Mines and Energy Ministry develop a green hydrogen economy.
Funding and Development
James Mnyupe, Namibia’s green hydrogen commissioner, announced funding milestones at the summit’s closing. Team Europe allocated funds for Namibia’s green hydrogen projects, including €3 million from the Dutch government, €1.25 million from the EU Commission, and €4.6 million from the German government. An additional €25 million from the EU Commission supports the SDG Namibia One Fund, raising total funding to €65 million. These funds will derisk green hydrogen development and provide capital for projects like the Hyphen project, accounting for government equity.
Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Future
Alessandra Pasini, co-founder of Zhero, shared plans to develop a green hydrogen project near Walvis Bay. Zhero aims to produce 500,000 tonnes of green ammonia, with a final investment decision targeted for 2026. Pasini highlighted Namibia’s advantages, including open spaces, supportive government, and low country risk. The project promises increased employment, training, and added government revenue. Zhero’s initiatives aim to deploy over N$375 billion for large-scale green hydrogen projects, positioning Namibia as a leader in the global green energy market.
