NEWS STORIES | OCTOBER 10 2023

EquiH2 Platform: Empowering Namibia through Green Hydrogen: A Case Study of the Southern Corridor Development Initiative

Introduction: The “Powering Nations” campaign is focused on leveraging green hydrogen potential to eradicate energy poverty. One significant initiative within this campaign is the Southern Corridor Development Initiative (SCDI) in Namibia, analyzed by the EquiH2 platform. This case study explores how the SCDI aims to produce 300,000 tons of green hydrogen by 2030, using 5-6 gigawatts of installed renewable energy capacity. The initiative is designed to address Namibia’s energy challenges, create an export market, and contribute to global net-zero emissions goals.

Project Overview: Namibia’s SCDI is a multifaceted project aimed at harnessing green hydrogen and ammonia potential. It involves the establishment of essential infrastructure and complementary projects, including a green hydrogen and ammonia plant utilizing wind, solar, electrolysis, and desalination assets.

Infrastructure Components:

1. Green Hydrogen and Ammonia Plant:
   • Integration of wind, solar, and electrolysis for green hydrogen production.
   • Incorporation of desalination assets to ensure water sustainability.
2. New Deep-water Port in Luderitz:
   • Enhancing logistics and facilitating export of green hydrogen and ammonia.
3. Wind Blade Manufacturing Plant:
   • Local production of wind turbine blades to support the renewable energy sector.
4. Green Steel Plant and Fertilizer Plant:
   • Promoting sustainable industries by producing green steel and fertilizer.
5. Ammonia Supply to Green Scheme near Neckartal Dam:
   • Utilizing green ammonia to support sustainable agricultural practices.

Socioeconomic Impact:

1. Energy Sufficiency and Export Potential:
   • Meeting domestic energy needs while preparing for international hydrogen and ammonia market entry.
2. Job Creation and Skill Development:
   • Generating employment opportunities through the establishment of manufacturing and production facilities.
3. Economic Growth and Investment Attraction:
   • Fostering economic growth by attracting investments in the renewable energy and sustainable industries sector.
4. Environmental Sustainability:
   • Reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable industrial practices through green hydrogen adoption.

Challenges and Recommendations:

1. Energy Access Inequities:
   • Addressing disparities in electricity access across Sub-Saharan Africa is crucial. Collaborative efforts and supportive investment environments are needed to bridge this gap.
2. Global Net-Zero Emissions Commitment:
   • Collaboration among African nations is vital to contribute significantly to the global net-zero emissions goal by 2050. Commitment and coordinated actions are essential.

Conclusion: Namibia’s Southern Corridor Development Initiative exemplifies the potential of green hydrogen to not only address energy challenges but also pave the way for sustainable economic growth and environmental preservation. The initiative highlights the necessity of addressing energy disparities and fostering collaboration to achieve a sustainable global energy sector with net-zero emissions. Through initiatives like the SCDI, we can power nations while building a cleaner, more sustainable future.