The Green Hydrogen Council of Namibia will be submitting all the proposals it has received from various companies wanting to develop electrolysers and other relevant products for the green hydrogen industry to Cabinet for further discussions.

The Australia-based mining company Fortescue Future Industries is one of the companies proposing to enter into a joint venture with the Namibian government to produce electrolyses for green hydrogen.

Electrolysers use electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen and are deemed critical technology for producing low-emission hydrogen from renewable or nuclear electricity.

According to the proposal by Fortescue Future Industries, which is a subsidiary of Fortescue Metals Group, the government would not need to spend money during the development phase.

The company's executive management further emphasised their intent during a courtesy meeting with President Geingob and Cabinet members on the margins of the COP 28 climate conference in Dubai, using the track record of operations in various countries.

The Green Hydrogen Council of Namibia says it has carried out expert analysis on the Fortescue Future Industries' proposal and those from Chinese, Japanese, and French companies.

These are to be submitted to Cabinet for deliberations before any pronouncements are made next year.

President Geingob appreciates the due regard given to the processes, systems, and institutions, both by the potential investors and the Green Hydrogen Council of Namibia.

Dr. Geingob, however, cautions against the deliberate prolonging of processes and not providing feedback on project proposals on time.

He also emphasised the involvement of all stakeholders from the onset for the success of the projects.

If the proposal is considered, the joint venture between Fortescue Future Industries and the government would be on a 50/50 partnership basis.