Driving sustainability in Namibia’s green hydrogen industry

Julien Karambua - Namibia stands at the forefront of a transformative energy revolution, positioning itself as a global leader in green hydrogen production. With abundant renewable energy resources and strategic proximity to European and US markets, the country is uniquely placed to drive sustainable economic growth. However, realising this potential depends not only on infrastructure and investment but also on a robust strategy for skills development and job sustainability.LandscapeThe flagship Hyphen Hydrogen project, located in the Zau-Khaeb National Park near Lüderitz, clearly demonstrates Namibia’s green hydrogen ambitions. This pioneering initiative will feature 3 gigawatts of electrolyser capacity powered by 3.5 gigawatts of solar and 4 gigawatts of wind energy. Expected to commence construction in 2026, the project will create approximately 15 000 jobs during construction and sustain 3 000 positions post-completion.While these numbers are impressive, they underscore a critical challenge: ensuring the 12 000 workers employed during construction are equipped with skills that remain relevant when the project concludes. In addition to Hyphen, projects such as HDF Energy's initiatives in Swakopmund further highlight Namibia’s green hydrogen potential. Although smaller in scale, these projects contribute to the growing demand for skilled labour across the renewable energy and infrastructure sectors.Sustainability The renewable energy sector, including green hydrogen, offers unparalleled opportunities for economic transformation in Namibia. However, most job opportunities during the construction phase are temporary, with limited long-term roles available. To address this, Namibia must prioritise broad-based skills training that enables workers to transition seamlessly across sectors.Training programmes should focus on equipping workers with versatile skills applicable across construction, renewable energy and infrastructure projects. For instance, training modules could cover solar PV installation, wind turbine maintenance and general infrastructure construction. Broad skills such as health, safety and environmental management are particularly valuable, as they are in demand across all sectors.ExpertiseNamibia also needs to develop high-level expertise in green hydrogen technologies, such as hydrogen production, electrolyser maintenance and scientific research. Partnerships with global leaders in hydrogen technology can facilitate skills transfer through programmes that train Namibian scientists, engineers and technicians to advance local innovation. For example, collaboration with countries like Germany, Japan and South Korea could bring cutting-edge knowledge to Namibian universities and training institutes, thanks to their advanced expertise in hydrogen technologies, strong demand for renewable energy and commitment to global energy transition.Expanding industrial baseBeyond skills development, Namibia must focus on localising the manufacturing of green hydrogen components. Currently, key technologies such as electrolysers and their catalysts are imported. Developing local manufacturing capabilities would not only create jobs but also establish Namibia as a hub for advanced green energy technologies. This requires investment in education and training, as well as supportive industrial policies to attract private sector participation. Ports, logisticsPorts and logistics also play a key role in creating infrastructure and employment. The ports of Walvis Bay and Lüderitz are undergoing significant upgrades to accommodate the export of green hydrogen and other commodities. These developments are creating additional job opportunities in construction, logistics and warehousing. Expanding Namibia’s infrastructure will strengthen its role in the global renewable energy supply chain, further boosting employment.Building the future todayTo harness the full potential of green hydrogen, Namibia must act decisively. Training programmes must begin immediately to ensure a ready pool of skilled labour by the time large-scale construction starts in 2026. Training modules must be carefully designed to cater to the needs of various industries, and partnerships with global experts should be leveraged to accelerate the transfer of advanced skills. Moreover, a focus on building local manufacturing capacity will help Namibia capture more value from the green hydrogen value chain. With the right investments, Namibia could evolve from being a supplier of raw materials to a leader in green energy innovation and manufacturing.FoundationNamibia's green hydrogen industry offers the promise of sustainable economic growth, industrialisation and energy innovation. By investing in broad-based and advanced skills training, Namibia can ensure that its workforce remains employable and relevant, even as specific projects come to an end. This approach not only supports job sustainability, but also lays the foundation for local innovation and self-reliance. With the right focus on education, training and industrial policy, Namibia could one day lead global breakthroughs in green hydrogen technology - unlocking its potential not just as an exporter of clean energy, but as a true innovator in the renewable energy space.

Driving sustainability in Namibia’s green hydrogen industry

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Namibian Sun 2024-12-25

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Driving sustainability in Namibia’s green hydrogen industry

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Namibian Sun 2024-12-25

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