Namibia teams with Hyphen Hydrogen Energy to study Africa’s largest green hydrogen project

In Namibia, following approval by the Cabinet of the Government of the Republic of Namibia (GRN) on May 23, 2023, the GRN and Hyphen Hydrogen Energy (Hyphen) recently signed the Feasibility and Implementation Agreement (FIA) at an official signing ceremony held at State House in Windhoek. The FIA governs the process for the development, implementation and operation of sub-Saharan Africa’s largest, and its only fully vertically integrated, green hydrogen project.

The partnership between GRN and Hyphen represents the first step in Namibia’s journey to unlocking its potential of becoming one of the world’s leading green hydrogen production hubs, by leveraging Namibia’s world leading co-located wind and solar resource, vast open spaces and stable investment climate underpinned by strong democratic values. The FIA is expected to set a global benchmark for the sustainable development of large scale green hydrogen projects as the world looks to decarbonise its energy systems in a manner that is fair, just, economically inclusive and environmentally sustainable.

Central to the FIA is a dedication to driving the socio-economic development of Namibia, through job creation and local procurement. During the construction phase, it is estimated that the project will create around 15,000 new job opportunities and 3,000 permanent positions during the operational phase. Hyphen is striving for 90% of these jobs filled by Namibian talents, with a specific focus on the youth (18 – 35) of 20%. The project is targeting 30% local procurement for goods, services and materials throughout both the construction and operational phases.

Under the FIA Hyphen is responsible for the technical, financial, environmental, social and commercial delivery of the project. GRN is responsible for providing the land on which the project will be established and developing and implementing the required legal, fiscal and regulatory environment necessary for the establishment and sustainable operation of Namibia’s green hydrogen industry.