Namibia's green hydrogen ambitions spark environmental and social concerns

Namibia's plan to become a green hydrogen superpower, with a large production facility proposed for the Tsau ǁKhaeb National Park, is generating both hope for economic growth and fears for the region's unique biodiversity. The project, led by Hyphen, a joint venture with Germany-based Enertrag, aims to export clean-burning fuel using Namibia's "world class" solar and wind potential. However, conservationists, including the Namibian Chamber of the Environment NCE and the Namibian Foundation for the Conservation of Seabirds Namcob, are concerned about the impact on rare succulents and endangered African penguins. The NCE suggests the project be labeled "red hydrogen" due to the risk to unique species, with its head, Chris Brown, accusing industrialized countries like Germany of applying double standards by supporting such projects abroad while protecting their own natural sites. The proposed expansion of the port in Lüderitz, a "bio-sensitive hotspot," also raises alarms for marine ecosystems. Hyphen states it is minimizing disturbance and conducting impact assessments, with Toni Beukes, head of environment, social and governance, noting the south offers the best co-location of wind and solar resources for global competitiveness. The project, with a potential investment exceeding $10 billion and a 24% Namibian government stake, is expected to create 15,000 construction jobs and 3,000 permanent operational jobs. However, youth activists express skepticism about long-term benefit