Greenhydrogen
Greenhydrogen

Green hydrogen programme denies dilly-dallying

Tuyeimo Haidula
The Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P) has denied that it is dilly-dallying on coming up with legislative frameworks for the local green hydrogen industry.

In a press release yesterday, NGH2P clarified that in the intricate process of policy formulation and legislative development, it is responsible for scrutinising and endorsing policy recommendations before their submission to Cabinet for approval, along with envisaged legislation before its consideration by the Cabinet Committee on Legislation.

This comes after Namibian Sun recently reported that government officials have not yet announced who should spearhead the process to craft a law to regulate the promising industry.

This publication reported that mines and energy minister Tom Alweendo said they are waiting for the Green Hydrogen Council to put together a law for this sector. However, just last month, green hydrogen commissioner James Mnyupe said this is the ministry's responsibility.

The law and any accompanying regulations are intended to provide a regulatory framework for industry players, but plans to enact a green hydrogen law remain unclear.

NGH2P is an initiative under the mines and energy ministry aimed at advancing Namibia's position in the global green hydrogen ecosystem through strategic partnerships, policy development and infrastructure investments, the statement read.

No uncertainty

NGH2P legal head Roswitha Gomachas disputed that there is uncertainty among government institutions tasked with crafting regulations for the industry.

The roles in the legislative development process are clear, she said. The Green Hydrogen Council, inaugurated by late president Hage Geingob in July 2021, comprises eight distinguished members, including National Planning Commission director-general Obeth Kandjoze, who is the chairperson of the council.

“The council's mandate is to oversee the development of green hydrogen opportunities within Namibia,” Gomachas said.

She added that Geingob unveiled the green hydrogen and derivatives strategy in November 2022, delineating an action plan replete with strategic initiatives aimed at fostering a conducive environment.

According to her, the mines and energy ministry is tasked with the implementation of these strategic objectives, thereby placing the initiation and introduction of a legislative framework at the ministry’s feet.

NGH2P aspires to lay the groundwork for a thriving green hydrogen landscape, underpinned by regulation and conducive investment conditions, she noted.

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Namibian Sun 2024-11-24

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