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Scientists and consultants from Germany’s DECHEMA and ISOE institutions’ have embarked on a two-year study to analyse the establishment of a hydrogen economy in Namibia and explore the potential for exporting its by-products to Germany. This study aims to assess the viability of a green hydrogen industry and its derivatives, such as ammonia, as well as innovative seawater desalination technologies.
Scientists and consultants from Germany’s DECHEMA and ISOE institutions’ have embarked on a two-year study to analyse the establishment of a hydrogen economy in Namibia and explore the potential for exporting its by-products to Germany. This study aims to assess the viability of a green hydrogen industry and its derivatives, such as ammonia, as well as innovative seawater desalination technologies.
The study focuses on the production, conversion, and transport of green hydrogen, and is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) as part of its strategy to expand international hydrogen partnerships. Daniel Frank, coordinator of the project at DECHEMA said Namibia is one of the most promising countries for the low-cost production of green hydrogen, even though according to many experts, it is also the driest country in the sub-Saharan region.
Sufficient renewable energy alone is not enough for hydrogen production. Water, which is also needed, must therefore be obtained locally from seawater desalination plants or water reuse concepts, as groundwater alone will not be sustainable nor sufficient to meet the increasing demand in the future. In terms of examining social and ecological impacts alongside the potential benefits of green hydrogen production, the study will also evaluate the social and ecological risks associated with water and land use conflicts. The ISOE cooperation partner will conduct this assessment, ensuring a comprehensive analysis of the project.
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If the study demonstrates the feasibility of hydrogen production and export, the concept can be replicated in other regions, establishing a foundation for the global development of the hydrogen economy. Green Hydrogen’s contribution to climate neutrality and socio-economic development, particularly in the Global South, would be significant, focusing on the global implications of the study. This comes as a bid to strengthen the German-Namibian Hydrogen partnership, Bettina Stark-Watzinger, the German Federal Minister of Education and Research, recently visited Namibia in March 2023.
