Cross border hydrogen pipeline deal almost finalised
Justicia Shipena
The governments of South Africa’s Western Cape and Namibia’s Erongo Region are finalising a twinning agreement on the green hydrogen pipeline between the two countries.
This is part of broader efforts under the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P), as outlined in its mid-year review for 2025.
The collaboration follows an agreement signed between Namibia and South Africa during the World Hydrogen Summit in May 2024 to explore the feasibility of a cross-border green hydrogen pipeline.
The N$5 million (€250,000) pre-feasibility study, completed in December 2024, assessed the technical, commercial, environmental, and social viability of linking hydrogen hubs in Lüderitz, Boegoebaai, and Saldanha Bay, with extensions to Gauteng via an eastern corridor.
“This system is pivotal for sustainable energy, socio-economic growth, and advancing Namibia and South Africa’s net-zero goals while positioning both countries as key players in the global hydrogen market,” the NGH2P said.
A conceptual master plan for the pipeline infrastructure is set for mid-2025 to mid-2026, with an estimated cost of N$30 million.
The Climate Fund Managers and Gasunie (Netherlands) will provide a significant portion of the funding, with additional support from the EU.
In 2020, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa first proposed the hydrogen partnership. South Africa targets up to 13 million tonnes of green hydrogen and derivatives annually by 2050 under its N$300 billion (US$20 billion) Green Hydrogen National Programme.
This would require between 140 GW and 300 GW of renewable energy, a steep increase from the 7 GW procured since 2011.
Key stakeholders in the pipeline project include the Western Cape Tourism, Investment and Trade Agency (Wesgro), the Northern Cape Economic Development, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (NCEDA), the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P), Gasunie Waterstof Holding B.V., and Climate Fund Managers (CFM) NL B.V.
Namibia has attracted about N$2.08 billion in investment for green hydrogen projects to date.
These include pilot initiatives, commercial ventures, and consultancy work, according to NGH2P head James Mnyupe.
A major highlight of 2025 was the commissioning of the HyIron–Oshivela plant near Arandis.
Mnyupe said this momentum is already yielding socio-economic returns. More than 800 Namibians have been employed across early-stage projects, and around N$170 million has gone to local SMEs, advancing localisation and value-chain development.
To improve infrastructure planning, the programme secured N$3.6 million from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).
The funds supported a study on best practices for shared infrastructure, including pipelines, desalination plants, rail, ports, and energy corridors.
In April 2025, the programme completed a draft National Policy on Green Hydrogen and Derivatives.
Developed in consultation with stakeholders, it outlines Namibia’s stance on environmental protection, hydrogen safety, socio-economic development, institutional coordination, and legal frameworks.
Mnyupe said the draft is now under review by the ministry of industries, mines and energy and will guide future legislation and operations.
