This Tiny Town Has a Big Green Dream

The town of Lüderitz, Namibia is undertaking a green hydrogen project that has the potential to turn the country into a green powerhouse by generating prosperity, jobs, and renewable energy.

“President [Hage Geingob] was very keen to craft an economic recovery plan that is responsive, globally relevant, and systemic in nature,” says Mr. James Mnyupe, the Namibian government’s presidential economic advisor and hydrogen commissioner. “The idea is to turn Namibia into not just a green hydrogen hub, but into a synthetic fuels industry powerhouse.”

Based in the Tsau //Khaeb National Park, the project led by Hyphen Hydrogen Energy should produce 300,000 tons of green hydrogen annually: renewable energy from wind and solar sources will be used to separate hydrogen molecules from desalinated water. The four years required to build the facility will create 15,000 direct jobs. As of 2026, when full production will start, some 3,000 direct jobs will be created, 90% of which will be filled by locals, bringing down Lüderitz’s 55% unemployment rate. Through the creation of renewable energy, there is hope that exports will increase as it will be an alternative to the importation of coal power from South Africa. “I do believe it’s going to be a game-changer, not just for Namibia, but for the African continent,” says Kennedy Chege, a researcher at the University of Cape Town.