Hyphen starts collecting meteorological data

President Nangolo Mbumba says the deployment of ‘metmasts’ at the Tsau //­Khaeb mational Park to measure wind and solar energy, called the Metmast Measurement Campaign, proves the government’s and Hyphen Hydrogen Energy’s commitment to establish the green hydrogen and ammonia industry in the country.

Mbumba officiated at the recent launch of the campaign, facilitated by ten 120m masts and two lidar sensors for the envisaged project.

The president was on a four-day visit to the //Kharas region to introduce himself to traditional authorities, officiate at the University of Namibia southern campus graduation, and to visit Lüderitz and Angra Point.

Mbumba said former president Hage Geingob understood the potential this industry holds for the country, and therefore mobilised human, material and financial resources.

“However, the full realisation of this industry and its development would require unity and stability at Lüderitz and the close working relationship between Hyphen and state officials, regional and local authorities, as well as the citizens,” he said.

Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Council launched its green hydrogen strategy at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, which supports the country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change, with the ultimate goal of reducing emissions to net zero by 2050.

The strategy will also allow Namibia to become a net exporter of energy by unlocking its potential to meet global demands of 10 million tonnes by 2030, while playing a pivotal role in energy security for the region.

Hyphen chief executive Marco Raffinetti says the wind and solar energy measurement process is poised to revolutionise the project’s ability to accurately model wind and solar energy yield, thereby enhancing the project’s bankability.

The Namibian government entered into an agreement with Hyphen Hydrogen Energy to develop the green hydrogen and ammonia project with an initial investment value of US$10 billion to produce around 300 000 tonnes of green hydrogen per year.

The government is considering holding 24% equity in the project in Tsau //­Khaeb and looking at options for mobilising finance to cover its share.

The 10 metmasts of 120m high are deployed across the Springbok and Dolphin land parcels within Tsau //Khaeb at a cost of approximately 2 million euros.

“Additionally, these masts will gather vital data over a minimum of 12 months, providing critical insight into seasonal resource variations, with additional monitoring sensors aiding in environmental impact assessment,” Raffinetti says.

He says once the data collection process is completed, it would also help optimise the design of the green hydrogen and ammonia wind farm, as well as the full green hydrogen facility.

The project is expected to start production in 2026, and the rights to it have been granted to Hyphen for a 40-year period.

The project is expected to create 15 000 direct jobs during the first four years of construction and a further 3 000 permanent jobs, with 90% being locals.