EU Commissioner for Energy in Namibia to deepen cooperation on hydrogen


WINDHOEK: European Union ( EU ) Commissioner for Energy , Kadri Simson is in Namibia this week to strengthen the EU ‘ s energy cooperation with Namibia . Simson ‘ s visit comes after the President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen and late President Hage Geingob agreed on a roadmap for the EU – Namibia strategic partnership on sustainable raw materials value chains and renewable hydrogen in October 2023 . The strategy is supported by investments of 1 billion Euro from the EU , its member states , and European financial institutions . A media statement by the EU Delegation on Tuesday indicated that Commissioner Simson will attend the Global African Hydrogen Summit in Windhoek and participate in panel discussions on ‘ Delivering Africa ‘ s energy transition through the development of the global energy map ‘ on Wednesday , as well as a ministerial panel on ‘ Africa ‘ s Hydrogen and Clean Energy Frontiers : The Industry ‘ s Next Major Opportunity ‘ on Thursday . As part of the summit on Wednesday ,
she will attend the signing ceremony for numerous initiatives financed by EU institutions and member states to boost Namibia ‘ s clean energy transition and hydrogen development . ‘ On Friday and Saturday , the commissioner will be visiting a series of energy – related projects , including the ‘ HyIron ‘ site for the production of green iron , and the Port of Walvis Bay , which the EU is supporting with a study to turn it into an industrial and logistics hub for the region ,’ the statement read . Simson will further visit the ‘ Towards an Inclusive Design of the Renewable Energy Transition ‘ ( TIDRET ) initiative , which aims to provide access to affordable and sustainable energy , particularly in vulnerable communities . The commissioner has also planned a series of meetings with Namibian authorities , companies , and civil society organisations , before leaving for South Africa

Source:The Namibia News Agency