Hardap Governor Salomon April is optimistic that the growth of the country’s green hydrogen sector will benefit the region, including generating jobs and stimulating economic development.
The region has traditionally relied on livestock farming. It has faced significant challenges, including droughts and food insecurity, and the Governor hopes that the new industry will help alleviate these issues.
“We hope green hydrogen brings tangible change within our lifetime,” April told a Nedbank Green Energy Financing Discussion held in Windhoek.
Speaking at the same event, //Kharas Governor Aletha Frederick emphasised the urgent need to address critical issues in the region to attract foreign investment, stating: “focusing on infrastructure development such as the improving of road networks, water and sanitation systems, access to education, telecommunications, and healthcare facilities”.
At the event, Nedbank Namibia Managing Director Martha Murorua highlighted Namibia’s poised economic growth.
“Tonight, the sentiment is one of optimism rather than gloom; of growth rather than headwinds; of revival rather than slump,” Murorua said.
Green Hydrogen Commissioner and Head of Programme for the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme James Mnyupe highlighted the programme’s goal to uplift the entire region, as Namibia positions itself as a leading exporter of green hydrogen energy.
Nedbank Group Managing Executive for Corporate Investment Banking Anel Bosman praised Namibia for its significant strides in hydrogen energy, citing the Hyphen Hydrogen Energy project.
“This pioneering initiative is expected to create 100,000 domestic jobs and position Namibia as a producer of some of the world’s most affordable green hydrogen, estimated at $2 per kilogramme,” he said.
In his address, the CEO of the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia, Benedict Libanda, highlighted the increasing global demand for green hydrogen energy and outlined significant opportunities for banks and lenders to participate in this burgeoning sector.
“Global investment in green hydrogen is projected to reach US$500 billion by 2030, and by 2050, the global economy is expected to require 500 million tonnes of hydrogen annually to meet these targets,” said Libanda.
The Nedbank Namibia event brought together industry players to discuss the financing prospects, collaboration opportunities, as well as potential sustainable economic expansion opportunities within Namibia’s green energy and green hydrogen industries.
The event aimed to foster collaborations with regional partners, government entities, and the green energy sector to uncover unexpected synergies, particularly in the context of financing renewable energy projects.
With esteemed captains of industry and public officials in attendance, the information-sharing event provided a pivotal opportunity to chart Namibia’s path forward amidst the imminent clean energy revolution.
