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Plans to build a cross-border green hydrogen pipeline between Namibia and South Africa are gathering pace after the two countries signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) at the World Hydrogen Summit in May this year.
Announcing the news in a statement on Sunday, Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Commissioner James Mnyupe said the MoU laid the foundation for an ambitious study to develop a cross-border green hydrogen pipeline, with the potential to transform southern Africa’s energy landscape.
The project brings together key players including the Western Cape Tourism, Investment and Trade Agency (Wesgro), the Northern Cape Economic Development, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (NCEDA), the Namibian Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P), Gasunie Waterstof Holding BV and Climate Fund Managers (CFM) NL BV
Mnupe added that the MoU, which came into effect following a kick-off meeting in Cape Town on 9 July, marks a joint effort by both parties to explore the feasibility of creating a green hydrogen corridor.
The project has a budget of N$4.8 million and will delve into the technical, commercial, financial, legal, environmental, socio-economic and operational aspects of the project, ensuring compliance with top environmental, social and governance standards.
Laying the foundation
Minister of Mines and Energy Tom Alwendo said: “The initial focus will be on the section of the pipeline between Lüderitz, Namibia, and the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. Phase one is critical in laying the foundations for future expansions, which will include extending the pipeline to the Western Cape Province of South Africa and the Erongo region of Namibia, an emerging hub for green hydrogen projects.”
The Green Hydrogen Council also noted that if successful, the pipeline would become Africa’s first domestic hydrogen backbone, laying the foundation for the trade of more complex products in southern Africa. “This is a critical step forward as we look to realize the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area and achieve the ideals of Agenda 2063.”
The statement said that by connecting major green hydrogen hubs and facilitating the efficient transportation and distribution of green hydrogen, the pipeline is expected to drive economic growth, create jobs and promote environmental sustainability. The plan aims to position Namibia as a strategic logistics hub, providing clean energy connections to the inland and beyond.
Mnyupe added: “The (Green Hydrogen) Initiative is proud to be conducting cutting-edge research on behalf of the Namibian government to assess the feasibility of establishing this strategic infrastructure in the southern African region.”
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