A groundbreaking project in Namibia’s desert is producing green hydrogen on a large scale, marking a significant milestone in Africa’s transition to renewable energy and the global fight against climate change.
Germany Supports Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Revolution
A New Era for Decarbonization in Africa
In the heart of the Namib Desert, a groundbreaking project is underway to produce green hydrogen on a large scale. This initiative marks a significant milestone in Namibia’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and join the global transition to renewable energy.
Namibia is a country located in southern Africa, bordered by Angola to the north, Zambia to the northeast, Botswana to the east, South Africa to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west.
The country has a diverse geography, featuring vast deserts, mountains, and coastal plains.
The Namib Desert covers about 20% of the country's land area, while the central highlands are home to several mountain ranges, including the Drakensberg Mountains.
The climate is generally hot and dry, with cold winters in the south.
The HyIron project, located near the town of Arandis, has been made possible by German investment. The facility uses 44,000 solar panels to generate electricity, which is then used to produce green hydrogen through an electrolysis process. This innovative technology has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the steel industry.
Hydrogen can be produced through various methods, including electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources like solar and wind power.
This process involves passing an electric current through water to split it into hydrogen and oxygen.
Another method is steam methane reforming, which uses high-temperature steam to convert natural gas into hydrogen.
Biomass conversion, such as gasifying organic matter, is also a viable option.
Additionally, photoelectrochemical cells can harness sunlight to produce hydrogen from water.
A Decade-Long Vision
Namibia’s late President Hage Geingob had a vision for transforming the country’s economy through hydrogen production. The idea may have seemed ambitious, but it is now becoming a reality. The government aims to industrialize and create jobs to curb the high unemployment rate of around 37%.
A Partnership with Germany
Germany has played a crucial role in supporting Namibia’s green hydrogen revolution. The Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action has invested €13 million in the HyIron project, while the Federal Ministry of Education and Research is funding two other projects worth around €22 million.
Economist Robin Sherbourne believes that this partnership is the right approach to addressing climate change. However, he also warns that subsidies alone may not be enough to ensure the long-term viability of the industry.
A Local Market in the Making
James Mnyupe, Namibia’s hydrogen commissioner, envisions a local market for green hydrogen products in Namibia. The government plans to set up storage facilities for ammonia and develop a logistics hub with low-emission transport options by sea, road, and rail.
Maybe we’ll get there in a few years when it’s clear that this industry belongs here and is flourishing, he said.
A New Era for Africa
The success of the HyIron project has significant implications for Africa as a whole. As the global demand for renewable energy continues to grow, African countries are likely to play an increasingly important role in meeting this demand.
Africa is the second-largest continent, covering about 20% of the Earth's land area.
It spans across 61 countries, with a diverse range of cultures, languages, and landscapes.
The Sahara Desert covers much of North Africa, while the savannas and grasslands dominate East and Southern Africa.
Africa is home to over 2,000 languages and more than 3,000 ethnic groups.
The continent has a rich history, with ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Axum leaving behind a legacy of architecture, art, and knowledge.
The partnership between Germany and Namibia demonstrates that cooperation and investment can be key to driving innovation and economic growth on the continent.
