ECB eyes surplus energy from Green Hydrogen Projects to benefit consumers

By: Hertha Ekandjo

Photo Contributed

As Namibia accelerates its efforts to establish a green hydrogen industry, the Electricity Control Board (ECB) is positioning itself to play a key role in managing and optimising the sector’s potential benefits, especially regarding surplus energy.

Responding to NewsOnOne questions, ECB Chief Executive Officer Robert Kahimise said the regulator is keen to tap into excess electricity generated from large-scale renewable projects associated with green hydrogen production.

With several mega projects already announced, many of which integrate solar, battery storage, and other renewable technologies, Kahimise emphasised that these green hydrogen facilities are predominantly off-grid.

“Take note, all the green hydrogen projects, because of their greenness, are off-grid. The production plants are powered by renewable energy and are not connected to the national grid,” he explained.

However, he highlighted the importance of integrating surplus energy from these projects into the national grid in the future.

“What we are expecting, any excess energy that is being produced, from these mega projects, we actually want to feed into the grid and reduce probably imports of inexpensive power. And eventually all electricity consumers can benefit from that,” he explained.

While the ECB currently oversees licensing in this sector, Kahimise confirmed the board’s readiness to engage more deeply as the industry matures.

“For now, we only handle licensing, but we are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to tap into that surplus green energy,” he said.

He concluded by acknowledging that while commercial viability remains the domain of energy experts, the long-term potential is significant.

“Maybe one day, this could be utilised to reduce overall energy costs. That would be a win for the entire country.”