Namibia now has a Green Hydrogen Strategy, which it will use to establish an effective operational structure, develop a strong and embedded network of partners, and create shared prosperity for all.

At the launch, Minister of Mines and Energy Tom Alweendo said the strategy will establish an appropriate and fit-for-purpose structure to help develop the green hydrogen industry.

It will also provide a direction for planning, procuring, and monitoring future green hydrogen projects to be developed on state-owned land.

"Crafting and enacting the Synthetic Fuels Act as a comprehensive regulatory framework to create an enabling environment, this legislation will ensure compatibility with international green fuel, certification, health and safety, and environmental standards, launching pilot projects to build knowledge, local EPC companies, and capabilities to construct and deliver local component manufacturing. Planning and developing an ownership and governance model and shared ecosystem for common user infrastructure to lower development costs and risks."

The strategy will also enable the country to continue its global outreach campaigns and foster hydrogen diplomacy to inform potential investors, project developers, and international development partners about Namibia's hydrogen opportunity.

"The activities required to achieve the objective of creating shared prosperity for Namibians include updating and developing the Harambee Prosperity Plan II to lay out a clear path for economic development and investing government proceeds from the hydrogen industry in healthcare, education, and other social benefits."

The strategy will also allow Namibia to become a net exporter of energy by unlocking its potential to meet global demands of 10 million metric tons by 2030 while playing a pivotal role in energy security for the region.

"The green hydrogen development in Namibia is an unprecedented opportunity for Namibia to fast-track green hydrogen production and achieve self-sufficiency from an electricity and primary energy perspective. Namibia also aspires to establish an integrated, thriving green ecosystem across Southern Africa by creating synergies in shared infrastructure and manufacturing with, for example, South Africa, Botswana, Zambia, and Angola."

Namibia intends to develop three valleys of green hydrogen in the long run, which will be in the ||Kharas, Kunene, and the central regions of the country.