Exploring the possibilities of a Hydrogen economy in Namibia and South Africa

German experts from the DECHEMA Gesellschaft für Chemische Technik und Biotechnologie e.V. and the ISOE - Institute for Social-Ecological Research recently accompanied Federal Minister Bettina Stark-Watzinger on a delegation trip to Southern Africa to investigate the establishment of a hydrogen economy in Namibia and South Africa. The focus of the trip was on green hydrogen production and its potential for exportation to Germany.

The experts visited Cape Town and Windhoek, where they explored the ideal conditions for green hydrogen production and its derivatives such as ammonia and aviation fuel. They also signed the first export agreements with European companies. The Federal Minister handed over grants for four pilot projects and launched the Youth for Green Hydrogen Scholarship Program in Namibia.

During their stay in South Africa, the experts met with the Premier of the Western Cape to discuss the possibility of using the GreeN-H2 Namibia project's results in the Western Cape Province. They also participated in the ground breaking ceremony of the Daures Green Hydrogen Village in northern Namibia.

The GreeN-H2 Namibia project is being developed over the next two and a half years to analyse aspects of green hydrogen production, conversion, and transport in Namibia. The study aims to investigate the potential of a green hydrogen industry, including innovative seawater desalination technologies on site, and the possibilities of exporting hydrogen to Germany. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) as part of its strategy to expand international hydrogen partnerships.

DECHEMA and ISOE bring together experts from different disciplines to promote scientific exchange in chemical engineering, process engineering, and biotechnology. They provide support around transformation management and socio-ecological impacts, as well as technical aspects of hydrogen production and water management. Their aim is to achieve a knowledge transfer together with all stakeholders along the value chain for green hydrogen.