Leading Namibia's green hydrogen charge with ESG expertise

Eline Van Der Linden, head of impact and environmental, social and governance (ESG) at the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme, leads the nation's ambitious green hydrogen initiative.With 30 years' experience in socio-economic transformation, she brings invaluable knowledge to this emerging sector.Her career began at the Namibian Economic Policy Research Unit, supporting the newly independent government, in 1990.Later, she led the Millennium Challenge Account Namibia, overseeing significant social investments, and strengthened public enterprise governance from 2009 until early 2015 when the programme concluded.Van Der Linden also addressed Namibia's water scarcity through Omuramba Impact Investing, promoting innovative sanitation solutions.Guiding an emerging sector Now, at the forefront of ESG for the Green Hydrogen Programme, Van Der Linden tackles the challenges of this rapidly evolving sector. A key priority is informing stakeholders and the public about green hydrogen technologies, market developments, and environmental considerations. "The main challenge lies in the 'newness' of the sector," she explains, emphasising transparency and education.The programme aligns projects with national development goals and international sustainability standards, including the IFC Performance Standards and the Green Hydrogen Standard. Van Der Linden highlights the importance of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and Strategic Environmental and Social assessments (SESAs), emphasising the interconnectedness of environmental protection and socio-economic development.Namibia's green hydrogen sector attracts private investment and the programme is geared to responsibly manage this growth. Van Der Linden cites initiatives like the open international bidding process for state land and the feasibility and implementation agreement with Hyphen Hydrogen Energy as examples of responsible investment strategies.Just energy strategy Overseeing ESG considerations across multiple projects is crucial. Van Der Linden emphasises adhering to existing legislation, including the Environmental Management Act, and working with the Namibia Institute of Standards to ensure quality.Van Der Linden envisions the green hydrogen industry transforming Namibia's socio-economic landscape, creating jobs and business opportunities. She stresses a "just energy transition," ensuring all Namibians benefit.Her passion for ESG stems from a desire to contribute to impactful programmes. "Every job created is a new, additional job," she said, highlighting the potential for positive change. Her motto, "give me a challenge, and I shall run with it," reflects her dynamic leadership.Van Der Linden advises aspiring sustainable energy professionals to embrace the sector's "newness" and recognise the diverse skills needed. She encourages proactive research and engagement, emphasising the potential for employment and entrepreneurial opportunities.Outside work, she supports her daughter, a para swimmer, and is active in the Namibia Swimming Federation.

Leading Namibia's green hydrogen charge with ESG expertise

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Namibian Sun 2025-02-28

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Leading Namibia's green hydrogen charge with ESG expertise

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Namibian Sun 2025-02-28

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