Namibia, SA up tempo on green hydrogen pipeline
Plans to develop a cross-border green hydrogen pipeline between Namibia and South Africa are gaining momentum, after the two neighbours signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) in this regard at the World Hydrogen Summit in May.
This was announced by Namibia’s green hydrogen commissioner James Mnyupe in a statement issued on Sunday. According to him, the 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 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.
Mnyupe added that the MoU, which came into effect following a kick-off meeting on 9 July in Cape Town, signifies a united effort to explore the feasibility of creating a green hydrogen corridor.
The project will be rolled out with a considerable budget of N$4.8 million and will delve into the technical, commercial, financial, legal, environmental, socioeconomic and operational dimensions of the project, ensuring adherence to top-tier environmental, social and governance standards.
Setting the foundation
“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,” mines and energy minister Tom Alweendo was quoted as saying.
The Green Hydrogen Commission also noted that if successful, this pipeline could be the first intra-country hydrogen backbone in Africa, cementing 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 realise the ideals of Agenda 2063."
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, the statement read. The initiative aims to position Namibia as a strategic logistics hub, providing clean energy connections to the hinterland and beyond.
Mnyupe added: “The [green hydrogen] programme is honoured 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”.
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This was announced by Namibia’s green hydrogen commissioner James Mnyupe in a statement issued on Sunday. According to him, the 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 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.
Mnyupe added that the MoU, which came into effect following a kick-off meeting on 9 July in Cape Town, signifies a united effort to explore the feasibility of creating a green hydrogen corridor.
The project will be rolled out with a considerable budget of N$4.8 million and will delve into the technical, commercial, financial, legal, environmental, socioeconomic and operational dimensions of the project, ensuring adherence to top-tier environmental, social and governance standards.
Setting the foundation
“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,” mines and energy minister Tom Alweendo was quoted as saying.
The Green Hydrogen Commission also noted that if successful, this pipeline could be the first intra-country hydrogen backbone in Africa, cementing 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 realise the ideals of Agenda 2063."
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, the statement read. The initiative aims to position Namibia as a strategic logistics hub, providing clean energy connections to the hinterland and beyond.
Mnyupe added: “The [green hydrogen] programme is honoured 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”.
[email protected]
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