The European Commissioner for Energy, Kadri Simson, says there is a demand for hydrogen energy from Europe.

But green hydrogen off-takers are not only in Europe but can also come from Africa.

Kadri Simson made the remarks during the first Global African Hydrogen Summit in Windhoek, Namibia.

Access to the European Market for African countries and levelling the playing field for hydrogen energy are some of the highlights made by the Commissioner. 

"As much as the European industries need green hydrogen, I think the biggest reward is levelling the playing. Green hydrogen off-takers are not only in Europe, but they might also be here. Allowing them access to our market by the same level playing field as European plays do have."

The visit by the EU Commissioner for Energy follows the roadmap for the EU-Namibia strategic partnership on sustainable raw material value chains and renewable hydrogen.

Namibia and the EU have also signed an agreement on rare earth minerals, of which Namibia has significant reserves, needed for permanent magnets in the batteries of electric cars and wind turbines.
 
The road map is supported by the one billion in investment by the EU, its member states, and European financial institutions. 

"The 150 billion euros Africa Europe investment package, mobilising private sector finance and expertise and supporting access to sustainable finance. We are delivering on this strategy in Namibia. Three EU-funded programmes will contribute to green hydrogen. Renewable hydrogen offers many opportunities for people but also for the planet. Let us make use of it for the economic and employment opportunities that this green hydrogen economy offers."

Simson will also visit a series of energy-related projects in Namibia, including the Hylron site for the production of green iron and the Port of Walvis Bay supported by the EU with a study to turn it into an industrial and logistics hub for the Erongo region.