Finnish wave energy technology developer, AW-Energy, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Namibian energy generation company, Kaoko Green Energy Solutions, to produce green hydrogen from renewable energy sources including wave energy. The initiative will build on AW-Energy’s latest advancement of its WaveRoller technology.
1. Harnessing wave power
The project, aimed at diversifying Namibia’s energy sector, will be operated in three phases, according to a press statement. Phase 1 will include site design that covers the creation and deployment of a wave farm on the coast of Swakopmund, Namibia, to deliver renewable power to support in-land resettlement and development. Phase 2 will assess the capacity for wave farms in several other locations in Namibia. Finally, phase 3 will expand the developed wave energy plants to deliver power to the country’s power grid. It will also seek to provide energy for desalination and green hydrogen projects.
With an energetic and consistent wave resource Namibia is very well positioned to utilize the benefits of wave energy to enable sustainable industry and jobs.
Christopher Ridgewell, CEO of AW-Energy.
Ridgewell said the partnership with Kaoko is exciting, praising Kaoko’s innovative team which will provide an excellent environment for deploying WaveRoller technology into Namibia’s energy mix. “We are looking forward to taking the next steps together and to demonstrate WaveRoller’s value in desalination and green hydrogen production,” he added.
“It is an open secret that the energy sector in the Southern Africa is currently underdeveloped, creating opportunities for innovative solutions and partnerships that can grow the sector,” said Sacky Nalusha, a Director for Kaoko Green Energy Solutions.
“The current energy shortages in the region have paved ways to explore alternative, untapped and sustainable energy sources. Ocean waves have the potential to provide a sustainable solution to our energy needs and demands,” added Nalusha.
2. Namibia’s climate ambitions
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 the African country to become a net exporter of energy by unlocking its potential to meet global demands of 10 million metric tons in the coming decade while playing a pivotal role in energy security for the region.
