Green hydrogen: Namibia plans to adopt Omani model
A recent report has revealed that Namibia plans to adopt Oman’s model for its burgeoning green hydrogen industry, which involves mandating state participation in all projects.
The model, which ensures that the government holds a 5% to 20% equity stake in green hydrogen projects up to the final investment decision, provides a robust framework that Namibia finds worth emulating, the report read.
“From the Namibian government’s perspective, this model is worth pursuing. Namcor could play a role in this regard.”
The report was compiled upon completion of a study tour by Belgian authorities. One of its key focus areas was developing an understanding of how to build fit-for-purpose and enabling policies and regulatory frameworks that will facilitate the implementation of economically viable projects in the field of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
Potential hazards
According to the report, Belgian authorities encouraged the development of hydrogen projects through subsidies and other legislative initiatives.
“Namibia can draw lessons from this exemplary practice and implement it accordingly. Namibia should strive to ensure policy, regulatory and legislative certainty in the different stages of the green hydrogen value chain. Ongoing consultative discussions between Namibian and Belgian authorities will be essential to gain insights into potential hazards that Namibia should be cautious about. Where required, the country should also benchmark with other countries like Morocco and Chile to gain insights on their implementation methodologies in the absence of legislation.”
The report further pointed out that hydrogen is highly reactive and flammable, posing significant environmental risks, necessitating stringent, fit-for-purpose regulatory requirements and thorough risk assessments for its safe production, storage, transportation and distribution.
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The model, which ensures that the government holds a 5% to 20% equity stake in green hydrogen projects up to the final investment decision, provides a robust framework that Namibia finds worth emulating, the report read.
“From the Namibian government’s perspective, this model is worth pursuing. Namcor could play a role in this regard.”
The report was compiled upon completion of a study tour by Belgian authorities. One of its key focus areas was developing an understanding of how to build fit-for-purpose and enabling policies and regulatory frameworks that will facilitate the implementation of economically viable projects in the field of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
Potential hazards
According to the report, Belgian authorities encouraged the development of hydrogen projects through subsidies and other legislative initiatives.
“Namibia can draw lessons from this exemplary practice and implement it accordingly. Namibia should strive to ensure policy, regulatory and legislative certainty in the different stages of the green hydrogen value chain. Ongoing consultative discussions between Namibian and Belgian authorities will be essential to gain insights into potential hazards that Namibia should be cautious about. Where required, the country should also benchmark with other countries like Morocco and Chile to gain insights on their implementation methodologies in the absence of legislation.”
The report further pointed out that hydrogen is highly reactive and flammable, posing significant environmental risks, necessitating stringent, fit-for-purpose regulatory requirements and thorough risk assessments for its safe production, storage, transportation and distribution.
[email protected]
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