Namibia launches environmental & social study for green hydrogen

The government has initiated a Strategic Environmental and Social Assessment (SESA) covering proposed green hydrogen developments in the southern valley of Tsau //Khaeb National Park, located in the //Kharas region. The assessment intends to evaluate potential social, environmental, and economic risks and opportunities tied to the planned projects. Reporting from Windhoek, Hertha Ekandjo explains the process ahead.

The SESA is part of national efforts to align green hydrogen development with sustainability goals outlined in the government’s green hydrogen and derivatives strategy. The assessment will inform decisions about implementing the massive Hyphen Hydrogen Energy project, a 3–5 GW facility designed to produce green hydrogen or ammonia in Tsau //Khaeb Park.

Environmental groups, including the Chamber of Environment, have warned that the biodiversity-rich Tsau //Khaeb area—home to rare succulent flora and endemic wildlife, could be severely degraded by industrial development.

The SESA involves stakeholder engagement, data collection, and impact analysis, with the goal of informing green hydrogen project design to minimize conflict and environmental harm.

Flowers in Tsau Khaeb National Park, where Hyphen Hydrogen Energy is due to build a 3GW green hydrogen project.Photo: Namibian Chamber of Environment

Project developers, government agencies, civil society, and local communities are expected to participate in consultations to ensure transparency and balance between economic development and ecological preservation.

Once the assessment is complete, findings will guide the preparation of Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIAs) and design revisions. If approved, the Hyphen project is slated to create thousands of jobs during construction and operation, produce export-grade green hydrogen, and contribute toward Namibia’s export diversification and climate targets