University of Namibia launches green hydrogen research project

Vice President Lucia Witbooi has launched the REALTEST Green Hydrogen Research Project at the University of Namibia (UNAM) to drive the nation’s industrialisation through scientific innovation. The initiative aims to transform green hydrogen research into commercially viable technologies, businesses, and industries, ensuring Namibia moves beyond being a mere exporter to building a knowledge-driven economy.

The project is funded with €2.5 million (approximately N$54 million) by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) via SASSCAL, under a Namibia-Germany Joint Communiqué of Intent. Spanning 36 months, the project focuses on hydrogen safety, advanced materials testing, engineering innovation, and scientific research.

To support long-term capacity building, UNAM has sent ten students to pursue PhDs specializing in hydrogen safety, material compatibility, failure analysis, storage, and transportation. Vice President Witbooi emphasized that the goal is to develop local scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs who will lead Namibia’s transformation into a competitive player in the global green hydrogen value chain.