By: David Shoombe
For Namibia to achieve its green hydrogen ambitions, there is a need to transform the entire education system, from primary to tertiary institutions, and to train Namibians for highly technical jobs.
These remarks were made by Frederico Links, a researcher from Institute for Public Policy Research and Project Coordinator of the Green Hydrogen Monitor Project.
During the launch of the fifth edition of the Green Hydrogen Monitor on Thursday, Links acknowledged the progress made by the various green hydrogen projects in availing information, in turn adding to public confidence.
Links added that the education transformation will be essential if Namibia is to achieve its goal of creating the anticipated 30,000 jobs by 2030, as the country currently lacks sufficient skilled personnel for the green hydrogen sector.
The Monitor, under the theme ‘Questions, Perspectives and Dialogues’ draws lines between the discussions, debates and political evolution around green hydrogen.
“There are broader uncertainties surrounding future hydrogen demand,” said Links, adding that while Europe has ambitious decarbonisation goals, many industrial users have not yet fully committed to switching from fossil fuels.
The Monitor also referenced the concerns of community activist Jimmy Araseb, who called for the need for fair and long-term benefits of the youth living in communities where green hydrogen projects are taking shape.
The report also incorporated content on green hydrogen progress in terms of investment attraction through the Climate Investment Fund.
Manager of External Affairs and Communications at the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P), Jona Musheko, added insights on the Climate Investment Fund’s Development Programme.
Musheko said Namibia’s selection for the programme provides access to up to $250 million in concessional climate finance.
The report further highlighted progress made by NGH2P in the area of locomotives, as the TransNamib board approved the six-month trial of a hydrogen-diesel dual-fuel locomotive in partnership with CMB.TECH and Africa Logistics on the Walvis Bay–Windhoek corridor.
The discussion on the report was based on policy and institutional coherence in the green sector. The launch of the Green Hydrogen Industrial Council is regarded as a positive development in that regard.
Namibia has managed to attract global investments in both green hydrogen and oil and gas industries. That said, the national debate is based on how to strike a balance between institutional coherence, investors’ confidence and how citizens stand to benefit from the continued development of these industries.
