Concepts developed for possible GCF funding by the Environmental Investment Fund

The Environmental Investment Fund, in collaboration with the Green Hydrogen Program of Namibia has developed three concept notes for possible funding by the Green Climate Fund (GCF).

The three concept notes are looking at the development of a new Green Hydrogen Plant within the Southern Corridor Development Initiative (SCDI); the Neckartal Green Scheme Fertilizer Plant, including irrigation and fertilizer production from green hydrogen and the Offshore Wind Project in Lüderitz to supply power to the hydrogen plant. The Environmental Investment Fund and the Green Hydrogen Program thus undertook a series of engagement sessions in the Karas Region to raise awareness and seek input on the draft concepts notes before submission to the Green Climate Fund.

Stakeholder engagements took place in Lüderitz on 7 May and in Keetmanshoop 9 May. The sessions were attended by among others representatives of line ministries, local and regional authorities, traditional authorities, the private sector, SMEs. Communities and youth groups. Aina Maria Iteta, head of delegation, and the Executive for Business Strategy and Performance Management in the EIF, highlighted the social and economic benefits that may result from these envisaged projects. “The Neckartal project in particular will contribute not only to employment creation, but also food security and economic opportunities through the envisaged green scheme. The EIF through funding from the GCF is also implementing a readiness project titled “Developing key legislation, regulation, policies, and concept notes for climate action in Namibia” in collaboration with the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P). The project aims to strengthen climate finance coordination mechanisms, build the institutional capacity of the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGHP) and the National Planning Commission (NPC) to improve the regulatory environment to stimulate green investment in key national priorities.

The deputy mayor of Luderitz, Josephine Heita, emphasised and pleaded for a solution towards the challenge of youth unemployment and infrastructure development in the town of Lüderitz. The mayor of Keetmanshoop Annelize Knaus said the town is in close proximity to key infrastructure which are positioned to be key players in the green revolution and stands ready to support this chapter in Namibia’s climate action and energy development journey. She noted that the green ammonia based fertiliser production and the entire Neckartal Hydrogen Farm concept could have real, tangible impact on the country’s economy, food security and youth employment. Witness Martin, a senior energy engineer in the Green Hydrogen programme, said the //Kharas Region is ideal for the development of Green Hydrogen in Namibia because it’s the hotspot alternative for renewable energy consisting of solar and wind energy. “Green hydrogen can be an energy source but can also be used to produce other products such as fertiliser that can be used for agricultural purposes. Hence the concept of setting up a fertiliser plant for the Neckartal which the country can utilise and export to neighbouring countries,” he said.

A delegation consisting of representatives of the Environmental Investment Fund, the Green Hydrogen Program and National Planning Commission also paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of the //Kharas Region Aletha Frederick on 6 May. Receiving the delegation, the governor noted that the envisaged activities should have a strong focus on creating benefits for the citizens of the country in general and the residents of //Kharas in particular.