THE “WATTS”
Hydrogen, more widely known as the “H” symbol on the period table or the “H” in H2O, is the simplest and most abundant element in our universe. All the stars in our universe, including the sun, consist primary of hydrogen in its plasma form.
In its natural state, hydrogen is not a conductor of energy, but despite it not being a source of energy, it has the capability to produce intense industrial standard heat and is an economy-wide-scale carrier of energy and can therefor store and deliver incredible amounts of energy.
THE WHYS
The leading, if not sole, production procedure for hydrogen is currently through fossil fuels. The use of fossil fuels for the production of energy has proven to be an unsustainable and environmentally detrimental practice due to its non-renewability and vast carbon emission.
The procedure for the production of clean hydro-energy involves the splitting of water molecules, H2O, using electricity and thereby sustainably producing vast amounts of hydrogen. In order for this procedure to be sustainably facilitated, a renewable electricity source, such as solar or wind generated electricity which Namibia has the potential to produce in abundance, is required. The resulting hydrogen can be stored, used to produce heat or for the re-generation of electricity.
Hydrogen produced through the above-mentioned procedure can further be used for the production of ammonia and methanol, which are both widely sought after and used chemical compounds.
Burning hydrogen produces industrial standard heat which may be used in the green production of steel, cement, gas and various chemicals.
WHERE WE COME IN
Potential investors need to consider the cost associated with the production and storage of green hydrogen. Hydrogen is a highly explosive element and will thus require specialised and expensive infrastructure for the production, storage and distribution thereof.
The cost associated with the production of green hydrogen should however not be viewed solely as an economical expense, but rather as an investment opportunity for all stakeholders, both governmental and industrial on a large and small scale. The Hyphen Southern Corridor Development Initiative project, which will be the first gigawatt-scale vertically integrated green hydrogen project of its kind, is currently underway in the South of Namibia.
With approximately 4000mk2 of land “up for bids” both regional and international developers can benefit from economic growth while contributing to global decarbonisation as provided for in the Global Decarbonisation Agenda. The SCDI project may potentially produce approximately 3 million tons of hydrogen annually, which, with the assistance of our sea and land export route, will prove to be a worth while investment.
Fisher, Quarmby and Pfeifer Attorneys offer professional due diligence services to ensure that all environmental and contractual obligations and procedure are dealt with sufficiently and in accordance with the applicable Namibian Laws. We further assist with the negotiation, assessment and drafting of contacts and agreements for any potential investors, developments, contractors, etc., both locally and internationally who may potentially get involved in any of the current or future green hydrogen project to be launched in Namibia.