UNIDO Launches Namibia Green Hydrogen Project in Windhoek

The GEF-UNIDO Namibia Child Project launched in Windhoek on July 8. AllAfrica reported that the initiative seeks to develop Namibia's green hydrogen sector for domestic industries, skilled employment and value addition rather than exports alone. UNIDO project manager Sven Schuppener said Namibia holds some of the world's strongest solar and wind resources along with the leadership required for sustainable industrial growth.

He stated that the programme will link Namibia to international partners for work on policy, standards, financing and industrial development. Schuppener noted that UNIDO support includes the Global Clean Hydrogen Programme, budgeted at more than US$18 million, or about N$295 million.

Through the UK-funded Accelerate-to-Demonstrate Facility, UNIDO has also provided a US$5 million grant, roughly N$82 million, for the Daures Green Hydrogen Village, where renewable hydrogen will be turned into green ammonia and fertiliser for local farmers.

Joseph Mukendwa, interim head of the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme, said the project will strengthen the country's green hydrogen ecosystem and move it from planning to execution. He added that the effort will stay aligned with Namibia's Green Hydrogen and Derivatives Strategy, the Green Industrialisation Blueprint and national development priorities.

Mukendwa said the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme will serve as strategic implementation partner and co-chair of the Project Steering Committee, coordinating government, industry, research institutions, financiers and development partners.