Staff Reporter
IN a landmark move towards a sustainable energy future, Namibia and South Africa have signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the World Hydrogen Summit in May 2024.
This MoU sets the stage for an ambitious study to develop a cross-border green hydrogen pipeline, potentially transforming the energy landscape in Southern Africa.
This visionary project brings together key players including the Western Cape Tourism, Investment and Trade Agency (Wesgro), the Northern Cape Economic Development, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (NCEDA), the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P), Gasunie Waterstof Holding B.V., and Climate Fund Managers (CFM) NL B.V.
The MoU, which came into effect following a kickoff meeting on 9 July 2024 in Cape Town, signifies a united effort to explore the feasibility of creating a green hydrogen corridor.
Theopolina Kapani, Head of Technical and Construction for the project, said that with a substantial budget of N$4,897,227.24 (€250,000), the study will delve into the technical, commercial, financial, legal, environmental, socio-economic, and operational dimensions of the project, ensuring adherence to top-tier environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
“By leveraging the collective expertise of all parties involved, the study aims to foster a shared vision of a sustainable and interconnected energy future. The initial focus will be on the pipeline segment between Lüderitz in Namibia and the Northern Cape in South Africa. This first phase is crucial for setting the foundation for future expansions, which include extending the pipeline to the Western Cape in South Africa and the Erongo region in Namibia, an emerging hub for green hydrogen projects,” highlighted Mines and Energy’s Minister Tom Alweendo.
He added that if successful, this pipeline could be the first intra-country hydrogen backbone in Africa, paving the way for the trade of more complex products in Southern Africa.
“This is a key step we are taking as we look to unleash the full potential of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area and realize the ideals of Agenda 2063; the Africa We Want,” Alweendo said.
By connecting major green hydrogen hubs and facilitating the efficient transport and distribution of green hydrogen, the pipeline is poised to drive economic growth, generate jobs, and promote environmental sustainability. This initiative aims to position Namibia as a strategic logistics hub, providing clean energy connections to the hinterland and beyond.
Green Hydrogen Commissioner James Mnyupe expressed, “The program is honored to be carrying out cutting-edge research on behalf of the Namibian government as it assesses the viability of establishing such strategic infrastructure for the Southern Africa region.”
