Session V

HUMAN RESOURCES (HR) AND HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT (HCD)

Green hydrogen and Namibia: Has the future arrived?

Prof. Anicia Peters

The Green Hydrogen Research Institute: A look at the successful pilot projects of UNAM’s desalination plant and solar projects in Henties Bay and wind turbines in Lüderitz. (Curriculum design)

Professor Peters echoed sentiments made by Dr. Olowoch noting that:

"Green Hydrogen, Digital utilisation and other emerging technologies are still in their infancy and therefore very expensive" .

The Namibia Green Hydrogen Research Institute (NGHRI) hosts researchers and masters students as part of the Green hydrogen hub. The activities include: a curriculum under development for Blockchain use in collaboration with Rwanda a look at Green Hydrogen safe handling as well as materials capability.

Emphasis was placed on the need for pilot plants which the University of Namibia (UNAM) can develop to capacitate people and meet community needs for specialist training to train trainers and allow for upskilling. Interestingly, three of the four pilot projects awarded at the event, have partnered with the UNAM Foundation. As a result, collaboration on hydrogen production with various institutions such as universities and businesses in Belgium are essential.

The NGHRI will host a joint research conference soon (12 December 2022) with the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST) which is an opportunity to hear from researchers in industry and academia. There are weekly seminars, held every Wednesday on various matters related to Green Hydrogen.