Namibian Mining News The Professional Mining Journal
Related Articles
In a bold stride towards a greener future and food security, the arid plains of the Dâures constituency are poised to become an unlikely hub for fertiliser production, powered entirely by the relentless Namibian sun and wind. The ambitious Dâures Green Hydrogen Village project, spearheaded by chief executive Jerome Namaseb, this week unveiled its timeline, promising the first harvest of locally-produced ammonia sulphate fertiliser between the final months of 2026 and the early part of 2027.
Speaking with palpable enthusiasm during a site visit, Namaseb outlined the phased rollout of this groundbreaking initiative. The initial stage, currently underway and slated for completion by mid-2025, is focused on crucial research and development. This foundational work will pave the way for subsequent phases aimed at not only nourishing local farmlands but also tapping into the lucrative international fertiliser market.
The heart of this eco-conscious endeavour lies in its energy source: a harmonious blend of 0.88 megawatts of solar power and 0.1MW of wind energy, harnessed annually from a sprawling 300-hectare site. This renewable energy will fuel the electrolysis process – a sophisticated method of splitting water molecules to isolate hydrogen. This “green hydrogen” is then converted into energy, offering a cleaner and potentially more cost-effective alternative to traditional power sources.
The project’s vision extends far beyond domestic supply. Phase two, spanning from 2029 to 2032, sets its sights on exporting green ammonia to both regional neighbours and the wider global market. The scale of ambition truly blossoms in phase three, with a targeted export of a staggering 700,000 tonnes of ammonia to international shores.
This ambitious undertaking has been kickstarted with a significant injection of N$220 million in grant funding from the German government, underscoring the international interest in Namibia’s potential as a green energy pioneer.
Namaseb candidly acknowledged the nation’s current economic realities, stating that Namibia is “not currently in a position to dictate which investment to accept due to the pressing need to address unemployment and food security.” This pragmatism underscores the project’s dual focus on environmental sustainability and socio-economic upliftment.
The impact on the local community is already being felt. To date, the Dâures Green Hydrogen Village has generated 375 jobs, with a commendable 115 positions filled by individuals from the immediate Dâures community. Notably, 77% of the workforce are young people, offering a vital boost to youth employment in the region. Furthermore, Namaseb emphasized the project’s commitment to community involvement, with the local population holding a significant 10% stake.
The ripple effects extend to local businesses, with 23 small and medium enterprises already contracted to provide essential goods and services, seven of which are based within Dâures itself.
“Our story is, with the amount of unemployment we have in the country and food security issues due to drought, and agriculture being the largest employer, we need to figure out a way to support the industry,” Namaseb passionately explained.
While acknowledging the challenges posed by production costs and logistical hurdles, Namaseb remained resolute in the project’s commitment to ensuring local farmers have access to the vital ammonia sulphate fertiliser they need for successful crop production.
Ammonia sulphate, a stable crystalline salt readily soluble in water, is a powerful ally for farmers. Comprising approximately 21% nitrogen and 24% sulfur, it is particularly effective in treating alkaline soils. As the ammonium breaks down, it releases a mild acidity, helping to lower the soil’s pH while simultaneously delivering essential nitrogen for healthy plant growth. In the current global market, a staggering 85% of ammonia finds its primary application in the production of fertilisers, highlighting the significant role this project could play in both the local and international agricultural landscape.
The Dâures Green Hydrogen Village stands as a beacon of innovation, demonstrating how renewable energy can be harnessed to address critical challenges like food security and unemployment, while simultaneously positioning Namibia as a forward-thinking player in the burgeoning green economy. The arid landscape, once seemingly inhospitable, is now nurturing the seeds of a more sustainable and prosperous future.
