Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Project Faces Environmental Scrutiny

Namibia is advancing a large-scale green hydrogen initiative within Tsau ǁKhaeb National Park, drawing attention due to its scale and location in a sensitive ecological area.

The project, managed by Hyphen Hydrogen Energy, covers approximately 4,000 square kilometers and is designed to generate around 300,000 tonnes of hydrogen each year. Plans include developing renewable electricity generation capacity, starting with 2 GW by 2026 and expanding to 5 GW later in the decade.

Hyphen Hydrogen Energy stated that environmental impact assessments are underway, with efforts focused on reducing disturbance to ecosystems by steering development away from the most sensitive zones. The company also plans to use pipelines to transport hydrogen to the coast, where it will be converted into ammonia for export.

The site overlaps with a region recognized for its biodiversity, including habitats for African penguins and a variety of endemic succulent plants. Environmental organizations such as the Namibian Chamber of Environment and IUCN have stated that the project could threaten unique species through habitat loss and other ecological disturbances.

What the numbers show

• The project area covers about 4,000 km² in Tsau ǁKhaeb National Park
• Investment exceeds US $10 billion, near Namibia’s annual GDP
• Nearly 15,000 construction jobs and 3,000 operational jobs are expected

Namcob, the Namibian Foundation for the Conservation of Seabirds, has stated that planned port expansion near Lüderitz could affect marine environments used by African penguins and other coastal birds. The organization identified this area as particularly sensitive to ecological changes.

The Namibian Chamber of Environment has argued that hydrogen produced in this context should be described as “red hydrogen” due to the potential impacts on local biodiversity. This terminology reflects concerns about the compatibility of large-scale industrial projects with conservation priorities in the park.

Hyphen Hydrogen Energy’s plan includes an initial renewable electricity output of 3.75 GW, with the goal of producing one million tonnes of ammonia by the end of 2028. The company has stated that over 90% of the nearly 18,000 jobs created during construction and operation are expected to be filled by Namibians.

Industry reaction

Hyphen Hydrogen Energy stated that it is conducting environmental assessments and intends to avoid the most ecologically sensitive areas to minimize impacts. The company has outlined its approach to balancing energy production with environmental considerations in its planning documents.

Environmental groups, including the Namibian Chamber of Environment and IUCN, have raised concerns about the potential for habitat destruction and threats to endemic species. Namcob has also highlighted risks to marine ecosystems from associated infrastructure expansion near Lüderitz.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.