PtX Hub in Namibia
Moving quickly and ambitiously to become a global player in PtX
The Namibian government shows high interest to become a key player in the emerging global PtX markets. At the same time, its focus on a sustainable approach and on promoting regional value creation stands out. In 2021, the country established a National Green Hydrogen Council and updated its Nationally Determined Contributions to the Paris Agreement (NDCs) to include the aim to reduce emissions by 91% by 2030.
Additionally, in 2021, the Namibian government signed a joint communication of intent with the German government, unlocking about 41 million U.S. dollars, with 30.5 million U.S. dollars earmarked to build green hydrogen pilot projects in Namibia in return for a future cheap supply of the fuel. All four pilot projects will be located in the country’s coastal town of Walvis Bay. They consist of an agriculture project, a hydrogen refueling station decarbonising various port facilities, and a hydrogen-powered train service.
The Namibian private sector is also moving ahead quickly. In 2021, the Green Hydrogen Association was founded. The Namibian Ports Authority (Namport) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Port of Rotterdam and prepares to become the export center for green hydrogen for Europe and the rest of the world.
Moving towards less dependency on energy imports with PtX
Namibia currently imports about half of its electricity demand from South Africa. Mostly it is coal-fired power plants generating this electricity. However, in Namibia, about 90 % of the electricity produced already comes from renewables, particularly from hydro power. To supply additional renewables capacity, expanding renewables capacity with additional 688 MW is planned.
Namibia explores export strategies to strengthen local development
Moving from production to application, multiple options are currently explored. PtX fuels might be utilised in ships, aircrafts, and trains. As the fourth largest minerals exporter in Africa, the Namibian mining sector might also benefit from the transition to PtX fuels, decreasing the emissions of the energy-intensive mining vehicles. Moreover, green ammonia and using it to produce fertiliser present opportunities to transform the Namibian industries with PtX – promoting sustainable economic development. For all of these locally produced PtX products, export strategies are being explored.
The PtX Hub’s work in Namibia at a glance
- Building capacities on PtX
- Conducting the PtX.Training targeted towards political decision-makers
- Organising the Train-the-trainer programme with Namibian energy professionals to become PtX experts
- Supporting the national dialogue on PtX
- Setting up a taskforce to coordinate between ministries and stakeholders
- Conducting studies and organising events to inform the ongoing dialogues
- Advising political partners on sustainability
- Assessing project proposals for PtX production with tools based on our EESG Framework for Sustainable PtX
- Analysing Namibia’s potential for PtX in-depth
- Conducting scoping studies on-site to identify PtX opportunities and pathways specific to Namibia
PtX Project evaluation:
- Engagement of local communities and stakeholders:
- The PtX Hub in Namibia focuses on building capacities and knowledge among political decision-makers, energy professionals, and regional leaders.
- Training sessions and workshops equip leaders and youth with knowledge about green hydrogen and Power-to-X technologies, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable energy solutions.
- Lessons learned and best practices:
- Collaborations between the Namibian government and international partners like Germany demonstrate the importance of strategic partnerships in advancing PtX initiatives.
- The PtX industry, job opportunities span across the entire value chain but also professionals in overarching workfields (e.g. in governments or agencies for health and safety) need to know about PtX concepts. Skills development is key to equip Namibians with the necessary knowledge, expertise, and skills to participate in the PtX industry, ultimately enhancing employability.
- Highlight efforts indicating sustainability of the project:
- The focus on capacity building and regional training programs underscores the long-term commitment to sustainable energy development in Namibia.
- Studies and scoping assessments, such as those on carbon sourcing and biomass utilization, highlight efforts to ensure the sustainability and carbon neutrality of PtX products.
- Next big projects for GH2/PtX:
- Pilot projects across the country demonstrate Namibia’s readiness to embrace green hydrogen technologies, with plans for agriculture, port facilities decarbonization, and hydrogen-powered transportation.
- Exploration of export strategies and applications across various sectors, including mining and fertilizer production, showcases Namibia’s vision for PtX integration and economic development.
- Significant impacts and benefits of PtX Hub project:
- PtX initiatives aim to reduce Namibia’s dependency on energy imports, particularly from coal-fired power plants in South Africa, while promoting regional value creation and economic growth.
- The transition to PtX fuels presents opportunities to decarbonize energy-intensive sectors like mining and transportation, contributing to emissions reduction goals.
- Long-term impact of PtX outreach in Namibia:
- Sustainable energy development in Namibia, supported by PtX initiatives, can lead to job creation, energy independence, and a resilient economy.
- Investments in renewable energy infrastructure and PtX technologies lay the foundation for a sustainable future, aligning with global efforts to combat climate change.
- Collaboration opportunities within south-south cooperation:
- Namibia’s experiences in green energy development and PtX training programs can serve as valuable lessons for other countries in the region.
- Opportunities for knowledge-sharing and capacity building exist to support regional efforts towards sustainable energy transition.
