Up to N$35 000 charged to attend Windhoek green hydrogen summit
The Global African Hydrogen Summit kicking off today in Windhoek - and for which the Namibian government is listed as host - is charging attendees between N$8 952 and N$35 809 for varying sessions, a situation slammed as ‘elitist’ by some government sources.
The summit, slated for 3 to 5 September at a local hotel, is organised by British events company DMG Events and requires attendees to fork out thousands to exhibit or attend the event aimed at capacitating locals.
Namibians have consistently been urged to prepare themselves to exploit the nascent green hydrogen industry, and many want to attend conferences like this to familiarise themselves with the inner workings of the sector.
An event poster states that the summit is hosted by the Namibian government and endorsed by the ministry of mines and energy, while the Namibia Investment and Promotion Board (NIPDB) is listed as a strategic partner.
Despite the exorbitant prices, organisers will give free passes to 100 students, 20 civil society representatives and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), NIPDB senior manager for marketing, branding and communications Catherine Shipushu confirmed.
So far, a total of 1 000 people have secured their seats at the summit, according to its website.
Lower rates for locals
DMG has been working with a local partner, Vasco Da Gama Energy, and NIPDB. The contact person listed to book a stand at the summit is Alex Pople, the commercial manager at DMG Events, based in London. According to the summit website, a pass and access to a masterclass goes for US$2 000 (N$35 809) while a masterclass alone costs US$500 (N$8 952).
Shipushu said apart from the free passes for students, civil society and MSMEs, they also have lower rates for Namibian companies.
“Local participation is a key consideration for all our events and particularly in developing sectors such as green hydrogen. In this regard, local rates were advanced to Namibian entities, and these are significantly lower than the international rates. The Namibian ones are U$800 (N$14 323) for large enterprises, U$500 (N$8 952) for medium enterprises and U$150 (N$2 680) for small and micro enterprises,” she said.
“We acknowledge that there is significant public interest in this global summit and therefore arrangements have been made with the NBC to livestream the opening and closing ceremonies.”
Enabling environment
According to the agenda, the aim of this indaba includes creating an enabling environment for green energy projects through sound policies, regulations and innovative financing mechanisms. It will also focus on green industrialisation, decarbonisation and fostering economic growth through hydrogen and clean energy production.
Discussions will cover hydrogen's potential to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors like mining and steel and its application in industrial and transportation sectors.
The event will also feature a family photo preceding the Global African Hydrogen Awards, including the His Excellency Hage Geingob Award: Namibian Hydrogen Project of the Year, Hydrogen Innovation of the Year and Woman in Hydrogen of the Year categories.
[email protected]
The summit, slated for 3 to 5 September at a local hotel, is organised by British events company DMG Events and requires attendees to fork out thousands to exhibit or attend the event aimed at capacitating locals.
Namibians have consistently been urged to prepare themselves to exploit the nascent green hydrogen industry, and many want to attend conferences like this to familiarise themselves with the inner workings of the sector.
An event poster states that the summit is hosted by the Namibian government and endorsed by the ministry of mines and energy, while the Namibia Investment and Promotion Board (NIPDB) is listed as a strategic partner.
Despite the exorbitant prices, organisers will give free passes to 100 students, 20 civil society representatives and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), NIPDB senior manager for marketing, branding and communications Catherine Shipushu confirmed.
So far, a total of 1 000 people have secured their seats at the summit, according to its website.
Lower rates for locals
DMG has been working with a local partner, Vasco Da Gama Energy, and NIPDB. The contact person listed to book a stand at the summit is Alex Pople, the commercial manager at DMG Events, based in London. According to the summit website, a pass and access to a masterclass goes for US$2 000 (N$35 809) while a masterclass alone costs US$500 (N$8 952).
Shipushu said apart from the free passes for students, civil society and MSMEs, they also have lower rates for Namibian companies.
“Local participation is a key consideration for all our events and particularly in developing sectors such as green hydrogen. In this regard, local rates were advanced to Namibian entities, and these are significantly lower than the international rates. The Namibian ones are U$800 (N$14 323) for large enterprises, U$500 (N$8 952) for medium enterprises and U$150 (N$2 680) for small and micro enterprises,” she said.
“We acknowledge that there is significant public interest in this global summit and therefore arrangements have been made with the NBC to livestream the opening and closing ceremonies.”
Enabling environment
According to the agenda, the aim of this indaba includes creating an enabling environment for green energy projects through sound policies, regulations and innovative financing mechanisms. It will also focus on green industrialisation, decarbonisation and fostering economic growth through hydrogen and clean energy production.
Discussions will cover hydrogen's potential to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors like mining and steel and its application in industrial and transportation sectors.
The event will also feature a family photo preceding the Global African Hydrogen Awards, including the His Excellency Hage Geingob Award: Namibian Hydrogen Project of the Year, Hydrogen Innovation of the Year and Woman in Hydrogen of the Year categories.
[email protected]
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article