Green hydrogen governed by existing laws – Amutse

Industries, mines and energy minister Modestus Amutse has defended Namibia's green hydrogen programme, rejecting claims that the ambitious project is proceeding without adequate laws, transparency or regard for local communities.

Responding to questions during a question-and-answer session in the National Assembly on Thursday, Amutse said the green hydrogen sector is already governed by existing legislation, despite the absence of a dedicated hydrogen law.

“While it is true that parliament has not yet enacted a standalone Hydrogen Act, the sector is not unregulated,” he told lawmakers.

Amutse explained that hydrogen-related activities fall under several existing laws that regulate industrial development in Namibia, including the Environmental Management Act, the Electricity Act, the Water Resources Management Act, the Labour Act and the Income Tax Act.

“All hydrogen-related activities are subject to these laws, as well as the Constitution itself," he clarified.

Environmental authorisations, water abstraction permits, electricity licences, land-use approvals and other regulatory requirements all apply.

"These are the same regulations and laws used in other emerging industries,” he said.

The minister underlined that project developers are contractually bound through feasibility and implementation agreements to comply strictly with all applicable Namibian laws and licensing conditions.

Namibia in focus

Amutse also rejected suggestions that Namibia prioritises European energy transition goals at the expense of domestic development.

The green hydrogen programme, he said, is aligned with Namibia’s long-term development strategies, including Vision 2050 and the Sixth National Development Plan.

“The objective is to transition Namibia from a primary commodity exporter into a diversified, industrialised economy driven by value addition and knowledge-intensive industries,” he said.

The minister stressed that Namibia is not pursuing a simple raw hydrogen export model but is focusing on higher-value products such as green ammonia, green methanol, sustainable aviation fuel, green fertilisers and green direct-reduced iron for steel manufacturing.

He further assured parliament that the rights of communities potentially affected by green hydrogen developments are protected through strict environmental and social impact assessments.

Regulations in place

Responding to concerns over large-scale land and water allocations for hydrogen projects, Amutse said resources are distributed through established statutory processes and only after feasibility studies determine the final requirements.

“Industrial development requires land and water resources, whether for mining, agriculture, tourism, renewable energy or hydrogen,” he added.

On allegations that the government is concealing financing agreements and partnerships related to the hydrogen industry, Amutse said transparency must be balanced with protecting commercially sensitive information.

“Let me state clearly that the government does not operate in secrecy, nor are national resources being handed to a selected few," he said.

"However, there must be a distinction between transparency and the protection of commercially sensitive information,” Amutse added.

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