Germany’s Federal Research Minister Anja Karliczek and Director General Obeth M. Kandjoze of Namibia’s National Planning Commission signed a Joint Communiqué of Intent (JCOI) in Windhoek and Berlin to establish a hydrogen partnership between the two countries.

The entities plan to conduct a feasibility study exploring the potential of a green hydrogen industry, including seawater desalination technologies in Namibia, as well as possibilities of hydrogen export to Germany. Based on this study, the countries will use pilot projects to test schemes for green hydrogen production in Namibia and for hydrogen transport.

"We will take into account local needs by placing a particular focus on seawater desalination. At the same time, we will also look into the opportunities offered by innovative seawater electrolysis where green hydrogen is generated directly from seawater," said Dr. Stefan Kaufmann, Innovation Commissioner for Green Hydrogen and Member of the Bundestag.

The Federal Ministry of Research will provide up to 40 MM euros in funding from the economic and future package for cooperation within the framework of the agreement. 

"Namibia has enormous potential for scaling up a green hydrogen industry. It has a lot of vast unused space. High wind speeds in Namibia mean that the generation of wind power is particularly profitable. Solar power harbors an even greater potential thanks to over 3,500 hours of sunshine per year," Karliczek said. "This is almost twice as much as Germany has to offer. We therefore think that one kg of hydrogen from Namibia will eventually cost between €1.50 and €2.00. This would be the most competitive price in the world which would be a huge locational advantage for hydrogen ‘made in Namibia’."

Karliczek also said The National Hydrogen Council estimates that hydrogen demand of German industry alone (excluding refineries) will amount to 1.7 MM tpy – and this demand is likely to grow further.

"This estimate underlines that we need large amounts of hydrogen and we need it quickly and at low cost. Namibia can provide both," said Karliczek.