Namibia will host a large-scale conference for key role players in Namibia’s green hydrogen ecosystem to exchange views on the potential, opportunities and risks of establishing the industry.

The conference, organised by the Economic Association of Namibia (EAN) in partnership with the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB) and the Hanns Seidel Foundation (HSF), is set to take place on 16 and 17 August 2022 at the Windhoek Country Club.

A joint media release issued by EAN, NIPDB and HSF on Tuesday emphasised Namibia’s potential to develop a strong green hydrogen industry and become a key player in global energy markets.

“Namibia’s abundant sunshine and wind conditions, combined with the long coastlines and vast seawater set the country apart, providing the necessary natural resources required to develop a sustainable green hydrogen industrial base that will drive socio-economic growth.

In appointing a preferred bidder to develop the country’s first high-capacity hydrogen project in the south of the country, Namibia has taken the first steps to turn its potential into reality, leapfrogging the rest of the region towards becoming a green energy champion,” the organisers noted.

They highlighted the importance of addressing a broad spectrum of issues upfront and how important it is that critical regulatory framework, vital infrastructure and other resource requirements are identified for the country to succeed in developing an integrated industry that will turn the expected investments in this area into broad-based, inclusive economic growth.

“Developing this capacity will require comprehensive consultations with key players in Namibia’s economy, both in the public and private sectors. Input will further be required from civil society, community groups and academia,” it said.

The conference, which will amongst others be attended by Prime Minister Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, will bring together 300 national and international participants with the aim of deliberating on a wide range of issues, including the country’s preparedness for the green hydrogen industry.

The statement added that in order to ensure that the deliberations at the conference are turned into action, key resolutions will form part of the strategic roadmap for both the public and private sectors, on how the country can best benefit from investments in green hydrogen.

Source: The Namibian Press Agency