AW-Energy, a Finnish wave energy technology developer, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Namibian private energy generation assets development company, Kaoko Green Energy Solutions. The agreement aims to produce green hydrogen from renewable energy sources, including wave energy.
The MOU will promote co-operation and explore knowledge-sharing opportunities for the development of clean and sustainable ocean energy resources and the assessment phase of wave farm developments in Namibia. Christopher Ridgewell, CEO of AW-Energy, highlighted Namibia's potential to utilize wave energy to enable sustainable industries and jobs. “We are looking forward to taking the next steps together and to demonstrate WaveRoller's value in desalination and green hydrogen production,” said Ridgewell.
AW-Energy's WaveRoller WaveFarms work on the principle of a hinged panel attached to the seabed to generate electricity from the movement of the waves. The technology will be deployed in a wave farm on the coast of Swakopmund, Namibia, to deliver renewable power to support in-land resettlement and development in phase 1. Phase 2 will assess the capacity for wave farms in several locations in Namibia, and phase 3 will expand wave energy plants to deliver power to the grid and help provide energy for desalination and green hydrogen projects.
Sacky Nalusha, a director for Kaoko Green Energy Solutions, said, “Ocean waves have the potential to provide a sustainable solution to our energy needs and demands.” Kaoko's flagship project is the Purros Hydrogen Hub in the Kunene region in Namibia. It will 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, synthetic diesel, and impact assessment of a hydrogen hycooker.
Namibia is positioning itself as a leader in emerging markets and an international exporter of green hydrogen. The country aims to become a green hydrogen superpower in the coming decade, which is vital for its energy security and transition. The government plans to use it to decarbonize its own economy and meet global demands of 10 million metric tons by 2030 while playing a pivotal role in energy security for the region.
The Namibian Green Hydrogen Council launched its strategy at COP27, supporting the country's commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change, with the goal of reducing emissions to net zero by 2050. Green hydrogen will be an essential source of foreign investment, creating opportunities for innovative solutions and partnerships that can grow the sector, said Nalusha.
