The Green Hydrogen Commissioner, James Mnyupe, says the Hyphen Green Hydrogen Project achieved a historic milestone with the presence of President Nangolo Mbumba at its project site and offices in Lüderitz on April 6 and 7, 2024.
The Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P) and Hyphen Hydrogen Energy welcomed President Mbumba to witness firsthand the remarkable progress made in shaping Namibia’s energy landscape.
Mnyupe said President Mbumba’s visit highlighted the government’s unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and sustainability in the nation’s energy sector.
According to Mnyupe, the focal point of the visit was the inspection of the metmast S2 installed on the Springbok land parcel in Tsau //Khaeb National Park.
President Mbumba cut the ribbon around the metmast, signifying the commencement of the MetMast Measurement Campaign.
“This groundbreaking campaign, facilitated by ten 120-metre MET masts and two Lidar sensors deployed across the Springbok and Dolphin land parcels at the cost of approximately 2 million euros, is poised to revolutionise the project’s ability to accurately model wind and solar energy yield, thereby enhancing its bankability,” Mnyupe said.
Additionally, he said these masts will gather vital data over a minimum of 12 months, providing critical insights into seasonal resource variations.
Additional Bat monitoring sensors will aid in environmental impact assessment.
Mnyupe further says President Mbumba’s symbolic inauguration of the campaign further underscored the government’s steadfast support for initiatives promoting renewable energy and economic prosperity.
The Hyphen project, Namibia’s first green hydrogen project, is envisioned to create 15,000 direct jobs during construction and 3,000 direct jobs when operational.
Marco Raffinetti, CEO of Hyphen, expressed profound gratitude for the privilege of showcasing the project’s accomplishments to President Mbumba.
“We are deeply honoured to have hosted His Excellency and to illustrate how the Hyphen Project is driving positive transformation in Namibia’s energy sector,” Raffinetti said.
The two-day itinerary included a comprehensive project briefing at the Hyphen offices in Lüderitz and a visit to Angra Point, providing President Mbumba with invaluable insights into the project’s broader impacts on the country’s infrastructure development and economic diversification. The victorious presidential visit marks a significant milestone for the Hyphen Green Hydrogen Project, reaffirming its pivotal role as a catalyst for sustainable development and technological innovation in Namibia.
President Mbumba, accompanied by notable dignitaries including //Kharas Region Governor Aletta Fredericks, National Planning Director General, and Namibia Green Hydrogen Council Chairperson Obeth Kandjoze, along with Minister of Justice Yvonne Dausab and key project stakeholders, completed a comprehensive tour of the project site, including Angra Point, where future envisioned port facilities are to be developed.