At the end of 2022, the Skills Needs and Gap Analysis in Namibia’s PtX Sector, the first study of its kind in the African context, identified the skills needed for Namibians to harness the potential of the country’s emerging Power-to-X (PtX) economy.
Namibia, driven by its commitment to green industrialisation, is set to emerge as a regional powerhouse for green hydrogen and Power-to-X. The government’s ambitious Green Hydrogen and Derivatives Strategy seeks to create an ecosystem supporting green hydrogen and PtX, presenting a golden opportunity for job creation and regional energy leadership.
The PtX industry covers a wide spectrum, from renewable hydrogen production to storage, transportation, and end-use applications like chemical processes and steel production. Namibia’s journey into large-scale PtX projects over the next decade requires a skilled workforce adept at various stages of project development and implementation.
Professionals with academic backgrounds in chemical engineering, electrical systems, industrial processes, and related fields are crucial for planning, design, and research in the PtX industry. Equally significant are those undergoing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), responsible for the practical implementation and operation of renewable hydrogen and PtX systems.
Identifying gaps and challenges in Namibia
While Namibia’s higher education institutions, such as the University of Namibia (UNAM) and Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), offer programmes in engineering, renewables, and related sciences, the study identified gaps. Existing modules specific to PtX are limited, highlighting the need for industry-aligned curricula.
The demand for professionals in the PtX sector extends beyond traditional engineering roles. Compliance managers, installations inspectors, and those in management roles also need specialised training in PtX-related topics.
Challenges include a shortage of lecturers with PtX expertise, inadequate laboratory equipment, and difficulties in securing work-integrated learning placements. The TVET sector needs enhancement in curricula, training of trainers, and industry participation in apprenticeship programmes.
Bridging the gap: recommendations for a PtX Skills Development Programme
The study proposes a comprehensive PtX Skills Development Programme to equip Namibians for success in the PtX industry. Key recommendations include:
- National PtX Skills Task Force: Establish a collaborative task force comprised of government, industry, academia, and training providers to develop a strategic programme.
- Industry-Driven Curricula: Collaborate with the PtX industry and educational institutions to design and implement curricula for higher education and vocational training, emphasising practical training and internships.
- Up- and re-skilling through Continued Professional Development: Offer specialised professional training courses for the existing workforce, ensuring they stay abreast of industry advancements.
- Enhanced Apprenticeship Programmes: Encourage PtX-related industries to participate in apprenticeships, setting standards for mentor qualifications and training duration.
- Upskilling Academic and Vocational Training Staff: Conduct workshops, facilitate industry internships, and establish a Train-the-Trainer platform for knowledge sharing.
- Supporting the Bridging of the Gap Between TVET Level 4 and Level 6: Establish a Faculty of TVET at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) to bridge qualification gaps and design programmes for trainers.
- Enhancing Research and Development Initiatives: Promote collaboration between universities, research institutions, and industry partners, focusing on funding green PtX research projects.
- Establishing Centres of Excellence: Create specialised training centres with state-of-the-art infrastructure for hands-on training and research.
- Promoting Registration of Engineering Professionals: Initiate “graduate in training” programmes in collaboration with the PtX industry and implement mentorship programmes.
- Encouraging Gender-Inclusive Career Pathways: Launch awareness campaigns, training programs, and mentorship initiatives to encourage women’s participation in green PtX fields.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Develop a comprehensive plan for stakeholder engagement, fostering collaboration, communication, and knowledge sharing.
- Tapping Financing Opportunities for the PtX Skills Development Programme: Explore government programmes, international finance institutions, and public-private partnerships to fund PtX-related technologies and skills development.
- Fostering Public-Private Partnerships: Establish a framework for joint investments, technology transfer, and quality assurance mechanisms in collaboration with private sector entities.
- Entrepreneurship Support: Create incubation and acceleration programmes for aspiring PtX entrepreneurs, facilitating partnerships between universities and industry stakeholders.
The impact of this study has been swift and transformative – it laid down recommendations for a comprehensive action plan, and for reshaping the academic landscape of Namibia. Key universities are now leveraging the findings to (re)develop curricula tailored to the specific demands of the PtX industry.
In response to the study’s insights, the University of Namibia is actively working on establishing a new school/faculty of Alternative and Renewable Energy in collaboration with German universities. This initiative aims to integrate a green hydrogen and synthetic fuels stream into the Master of Science in Renewable Energy programme, aligning academic offerings with the evolving needs of the PtX sector.
Similarly, the Namibia University of Science and Technology is working to enhance its Master of Sustainable Energy Systems programme. The curriculum will be refined to incorporate PtX-related modules, ensuring that graduates are equipped with the knowledge and skills demanded by the burgeoning PtX industry. NUST’s proactive approach extends to partnerships with students for developing renewable power projects, illustrating a commitment to practical, real-world learning experiences.
Insights from webinar on PtX Sector’s Skills Needs and Gaps Analysis for Enhanced Employability
The study was further discussed in a collaborative webinar with experts from the Renewables Academy (RENAC) on November 7, 2023. The analysis delved into the PtX value chain, examining skills needs, gaps, and educational barriers in Namibia’s sector. The discussion covered the methodology, findings, and recommendations for a Skills Development Programme aimed at enhancing employability and fostering innovation.
PtX Hub Skills Assessment spurs collaborative educational initiatives for hydrogen economy
In October, the PtX Hub Skills Needs Assessment received approval at the EU-Namibia Business Forum at Presidential Level in Brussels. Mr. Alfred Kent, Executive Director of the Ministry of Higher Education, Technology, and Innovation commended the study as a foundational document for the review of higher education and TVET programs related to hydrogen. This approach aligns with Namibia’s goal to leverage hydrogen investments to address its unemployment rate, especially among the youth.
Vice Chancellor of NUST, Dr. Erold Naomab, and Acting Pro Vice Chancellor for Research, Innovation, and Development at UNAM, Professor Nelago Indongo, referenced the study during a panel discussion. Prof. Anicia Peters, CEO of the National Commission on Research, Science & Technology and a contributor to the assessment, proposed a collaboration between Namibian and German universities and research institutes. This collaboration, focusing on knowledge transfer, aims to enhance expertise without the need for additional funds.
With a strategic plan in place, including collaboration between academia, industry, and government, Namibia is poised to lead in sustainable production, job creation, and green industrialisation.
