Marine Energy

AW-Energy signs MOU to produce green hydrogen from wave energy in Namibia

Tags
AW-Energy signs MOU to produce green hydrogen from wave energy in Namibia
(Image by willyambradberry on 123rf)

Finnish wave energy technology developer AW-Energy Oy has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Kaoko Green Energy Solutions (Pty) Ltd in Namibia, which aims to produce green hydrogen from renewable energy sources including wave energy.

This initiative supports a mutual intention to co-operate and explore knowledge share opportunities for the development of clean and sustainable ocean energy resource and the assessment phase of wave farm developments in Namibia, AW-Energy said.

“With an energetic and consistent wave resource, Namibia is very well positioned to utilize the benefits of wave energy to enable sustainable industries and jobs,” said Christopher Ridgewell, chief executive officer of AW-Energy. “We’re enjoying working with Kaoko’s innovative team to support Namibia’s sustainability goals and it is an initiative that provides 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.”

AW-Energy’s WaveRoller WaveFarms comprise the WaveRoller wave energy converters, WaveFarm infrastructure, logistics, life-cycle services, product documentation and more. WaveRoller is submerged near-shore and works on the principle of a hinged panel that is attached to the seabed to generate electricity from the movement of the waves (surge phenomenon).

Phase 1 will include detailed site design and cover fabrication and deployment of a WaveRoller 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 locations in Namibia. Phase 3 will expand wave energy plants to deliver power to the grid and help provide energy for desalination and green hydrogen projects.

“It is an open secret that the energy sector in 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.”

Kaoko Green Energy Solutions is a Namibian private energy generation assets development company that uses solar, wave and wind energy sources to help reduce the production cost of green hydrogen. The company’s flagship project is the Purros Hydrogen Hub (PHH) in the Kunene region in Namibia, which is to be developed on 970 hectares of land and will include three work areas in its first stage feasibility study: ammonia as a green hydrogen carrier (35,000 kg of ammonia per year), synthetic diesel (500 barrels of diesel per year) and impact assessment of a hydrogen hycooker (hydrogen cooking flame for rural communities).

Namibia is aiming to become a green hydrogen superpower in the coming decade by positioning itself as a leader in emerging markets and an international exporter of green hydrogen, AW-Energy said. Green hydrogen will be an important source of foreign investment and is important for the country’s energy security and transition. The government plans to use it to decarbonize its own economy. 

Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Council launched its strategy at COP27, which supports the country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change, with the goal of reducing emissions to net zero by 2050. The strategy will also allow Namibia to become a net exporter of energy by unlocking its potential to meet global demands of 10 million metric tons by 2030 while playing a pivotal role in energy security for the region.