To boost its solar power generation, Germany has announced $47.2million funding to Namibia for research and development of the nascent green hydrogen industry.
As the driest country on the African continent, Namibia has enormous potential for solar energy production that could be mined to boost the green hydrogen industry.
The southern African country is receiving strong support from Germany to produce green hydrogen. Berlin confirms the granting of $47.2million in funding with two major objectives. Germany remains one of Namibia’s historical ally from the colonial past.
Namibia’s National Planning Commissioner Obeth Kandjoze says: “Preliminary estimates of this potential [project] put Namibia’s annual production of green ammonia at more than 2.5 million tonnes, which will attract more than N$6 billion in foreign direct investment, while generating annual revenues of more than N$800 million”
Kandjoze added that the University of Namibia will lead research to develop a vibrant industry, with support from other stakeholders in Namibia and from Germany. Second quarterly report of the Harambee Prosperity Plan (HPPII) shows that preliminary uses of the funding include green hydrogen grants, feasibility studies, and pilot plant development.
Namibia joins the still very small circle of pioneering African countries that have started research into green hydrogen production. South Africa led by chemical giant Sasol, Egypt and Morocco, all pioneering countries in the production of renewable energy. Namibia currently has 680 MWp of installed capacity, of which 517 MW is generated from renewable sources.