MEDIA RELEASE
12 May 2025

The Environmental Investment Fund develops concepts Green Hydrogen Concepts for possible
funding with the GCF.

The Environmental Investment Fund, in collaboration with the Green Hydrogen Program of Namibia has developed three concept notes for possible funding by the Green Climate Fund. The three concept notes are looking at the development of a new Green Hydrogen Plant within the Southern Corridor Development Initiative (SCDI); the Neckartal Green Scheme Fertilizer Plant, including irrigation and fertilizer production from green hydrogen and the Offshore Wind Project in Lüderitz to supply power to the hydrogen plant.

On this Basis, the Environmental Investment Fund and the Green Hydrogen Program undertaken a series of engagement sessions in the Karas Region to raise awareness and seek input on the draft concepts notes before submission to Green Climate Fund. The stakeholder engagement took place on 07 May in Lüderitz and 09 May in Keetmanshoop respectively.

Aina Maria Iteta, head of delegation, and the Executive for Business Strategy and Performance Management in the EIF, stressed the social and economic benefits that may result from these envisaged projects. She stressed that the Neckartal project in particular will contribute not only to employment creation, but also food security and economic opportunities through the envisaged green scheme.

The EIF through funding from the GCF is implementing a readiness project titled “Developing key legislation, regulation, policies, and concept notes for climate action in Namibia in collaboration with the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P). The project aims to strengthen climate finance coordination mechanisms, build the institutional capacity of the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGHP) and the National Planning Commission (NPC) to improve the regulatory environment to stimulate green investment in key national priorities.

On the 6th May, a delegation consisting of representatives of the Environmental Investment Fund, the Green Hydrogen Program and National Planning Commission paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of the Karas Region.

Receiving the delegation, Governor of the Karas Region, Aletha Frederick noted that the envisaged activities should have a strong focus on creating benefits for the citizens of the country in general and the residents of Karas in Particular. She lauded the delegation for the initiative and encouraged that all role players including members of the public must be given the opportunity to contribute their ideas and inputs.

Similar sentiments were also shared by the Deputy Mayor of Luderitz, Josephine Heita, who emphasis and pleaded for solution towards the challenge of youth unemployment and infrastructure development in the town of Lüderitz.

Mayor of Keetmanshoop Annelize Knaus says, the town is in close proximity to key infrastructure which are positioned to be key players in the green revolution and stands ready to support the this chapter in Namibia’s climate action and energy development journey. She notes that the green ammonia based fertiliser production and the entire Neckartal Hydrogen Farm concept could have real, tangible impact on the country’s economy, food security and youth employment.

Dr. Witness Martin, Senior Energy engineer in the Green Hydrogen programme, said the Karas Region is ideal for the development of Green Hydrogen in Namibia because it’s the hotspot alternative renewable energy comprising of solar and wind energy. He noted that Green hydrogen can be an energy source but can also be used to produce other products such as fertiliser that can be used for agricultural purposes. Hence the concept of setting up a fertiliser plant for the Neckartal which the country can utilise and export to neighbouring countries.

The stakeholder engagement was attended by among others representatives of line ministries, local and regional authorities, traditional authorities, the private sector, SMEs. Communities and youth groups.