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between green hydrogen production and the country ’ s existing industrial base .
What about the local workforce and industrial expertise in these regions ? Do you believe they are prepared for such large-scale green hydrogen projects ? Sebastian Surie : Absolutely . In South Africa , for instance , you have a long history of large-scale infrastructure and industrial projects , particularly in energy and mining . That means there is a skilled workforce , experienced in large project development and management . This extends to the engineering companies and construction firms that will play a big role in building hydrogen ( and derivative ) plants , electrolysers , and the associated infrastructure .
Namibia may be less industrialised compared to South Africa , but the desire to upskill is significant . The country welcomes foreign direct investment and the participation of foreign industrials , which bring along muchneeded skills transfer to the local market . Educational institutions , supported by both local and international stakeholders , are rapidly developing programmes aimed at training the next generation of workers in the renewable energy and hydrogen sectors . In fact , we see local governments working closely with universities to build educational curriculums around green hydrogen , which will be crucial in providing a long-term , sustainable workforce for the projects we are developing .
How can green hydrogen production impact the local economy in these emerging markets ? Sebastian Surie : Beyond the technical aspects , the economic potential for emerging markets is significant . By developing green hydrogen production , these countries are creating entirely new industries that not only provide jobs but also attract foreign investment . In Namibia , for instance , we are working to ensure that not all of the renewable energy and water produced is used for green hydrogen but will partly be fed into the local grid or used locally . Moreover , it is envisaged that part of the green molecules will end up in the local economy , fuelling industries like green fertiliser production or even electricity generation for remote areas . This localisation adds a layer of resilience to the country ’ s economy and helps reduce its reliance on imports .
In South Africa , the potential for green hydrogen goes even further . The country is a major player in mining and the chemicals industry , both of which are energy-intensive and emissions-heavy . By integrating hydrogen into sectors like steel production , we can help decarbonise key industries that are essential to South Africa ’ s economy while simultaneously creating new market opportunities for green products .
From a technical perspective , how do you ensure that projects in these markets meet international standards for efficiency and safety ? Willem Frens : Ensuring that the projects meet international standards is a top priority , especially when you are working in markets where there might be less experience with hydrogen technologies . We work closely with both local and international technology licensors and EPC contractors to make sure that everything , from the electrolysers to the transport infrastructure , is built to the highest standards .
Safety is also a critical factor . Hydrogen , while a clean energy carrier and feedstock to produce fuels and chemicals , has specific risks when it comes to storage , transportation , and handling . To mitigate these risks , we implement the best available safety technologies and ensure that facility designs incorporate redundancy and failsafes for emergencies . These are non-negotiable
10 Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 19 | December 2024