The Green Hydrogen Innovation Commissioner at the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF), Dr. Stefan Kaufmann visited Namibia from 24 – 26 February 2022. The purpose of the visit was to advance the implementation of the Joint Communiqué of Intent (JCoI) signed between Namibia and Germany on cooperation in the field of energy and green hydrogen resources. During his visit Dr Kaufmann held meetings with the German Ambassador and South Africa High Commissioner, among other high-level stakeholders. As the focus, Dr Kaufmann had extensive discussions with the Namibia Green Hydrogen Council, and other representatives involved in energy and green hydrogen resources on the next step to bring the JCoI to life. Dr Kaufmann was accompanied by Dr. Kerstin Zimmermann (head of International relations, BMBF) & Ms. Kerstin Annassi Ms. Kerstin Annassi (Head of Basic Research Energy Systems of Projektträger Jülich).
“We are witnessing a major change: fossil sources such as oil and gas are being replaced by renewable energies. Green hydrogen has the chance to become the oil and gas of the future. It is a game-changer,” said Dr Kaufman
At the launch of Namibia / Germany Green Hydrogen Projects funded by the BMBF under the JCoI, a press conference was held on Friday, 25 February 2022 at the state house. The main aim of the press conference was to launch the programmes under the implementation of the JCoI, i.e., The Scholarship programme (Youth for Green Hydrogen-Namibia (Y4H2)), Pilot projects and the Green Hydrogen Strategy.
The panel for the press conference was constituted by the Namibian Green Hydrogen Council Chairperson, Director General Obeth Kandjoze, the German Green Hydrogen Innovation commissioner, Dr Stefan Kaufmann, the Minister of Higher Education, Training and Innovation, Dr Itah Kandjii-Murangi, The Presidential Economic Advisor and Green Hydrogen commissioner, James Mnyupe, the Executive Director of the Southern African Science Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL), Dr Jane
