Political parties divided over green hydrogen

While some political parties - like Swapo - have thrown their full weight behind the virgin green hydrogen pursuit, others lack faith in the emerging industry, calling it ‘all hype’.

Even inside Swapo, there are those who remain unconvinced about the success of green hydrogen, but those pursuing this resource will be happy to hear that their work has the backing of the ruling party’s presidential candidate Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.

Nandi-Ndaitwah believes that green hydrogen holds significant potential for spurring economic development while addressing climate change.

Speaking at the Africa Global Hydrogen Summit last month, she expressed optimism about the role green hydrogen can play in Namibia’s future. "Utilising our abundant renewable energy to produce hydrogen, which can be used in hard-to-abate sectors, presents a promising way to combat climate change while also offering a developmental pathway," she said.

Energy crisis

The Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) pledged its support for green hydrogen and oil exploration in its manifesto, stressing that Namibia’s domestic electricity supply is inadequate, generating less than half of the energy the country consumes.

"If current trends continue, we could face a genuine energy crisis," it read. The party believes this crisis can be avoided if the country takes swift and decisive action to harness its energy resources.

The All People’s Party (APP) has called for equitable distribution of the country’s green hydrogen resources.

Party president Ambrosius Kumbwa emphasised the need for Namibia to secure a fair share in the green hydrogen industry. "We may lack the technical know-how, but we possess the resources. These are our resources, and we must ensure that Namibians benefit from them," he said in an interview with Namibian Sun.

Kumbwa also expressed concerns about foreign dominance in the sector, advocating for a 50-50 split between local and foreign ownership.

‘Expensive experiment’

The Independent Patriots for Change (IPC) and the Landless People’s Movement (LPM) have been vocal in their opposition to green hydrogen.

Speaking to The Namibian last month, IPC spokesperson Imms Nashinge dismissed green hydrogen as an expensive experiment. "We are not wasting time with experiments. Our people want prosperity, jobs and a life free from hunger. We don’t have energy for experimental projects that are still in the planning stages," he said.

Instead, the IPC favours nuclear energy, which it considers a more viable solution for the country’s power needs. According to the party’s manifesto, if voted into power, it will prioritise the development of the Baynes Hydroelectric Power Station and expedite renewable energy initiatives that have a clearer path to implementation.

Similarly, LPM leader Bernadus Swartbooi has outright rejected green hydrogen, calling it "a waste of taxpayer money".

Speaking at a rally in Lüderitz earlier this month, Swartbooi expressed doubt about the project's feasibility, suggesting it would drain government resources without delivering tangible results.

‘All hype’

Meanwhile, the Namibian Economic Freedom Fighters’ (NEFF) commissar for communication Teresia Hamurenge voiced concerns about the transparency of the country's green hydrogen project.

She told Namibian Sun that most Namibians are unaware of how the project will benefit them, and criticised the lack of public consultation. "It's being driven by a few individuals looking to enrich themselves," she said, suggesting that the project could be more focused on enriching investors than addressing the country’s needs.

Republican Party (RP) president Henk Mudge also expressed scepticism, questioning the country’s sudden emergence as a global player in green hydrogen production. "I think it’s all hype," he said as quoted by The Namibian, raising concerns about the transparency surrounding the initiative.

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