Real test for hydrogen at UNAM

Last Monday, Vice-President Lucia Witbooi officially launched the REALTEST research project at the University of Namibia’s main campus in Windhoek.

The REALTEST Green Hydrogen Research Project signals Namibia’s determination to build an economy founded on science, innovation, technological excellence and industrial competitiveness, she said.

“True industrialisation occurs when a country develops its own scientific capabilities, technological expertise and human capital to innovate, adapt and compete in the global economy,” she said.

The REALTEST Project will contribute to strengthening Namibia’s national capabilities in advanced research, hydrogen safety, materials testing, engineering innovation and scientific excellence, according to the Vice-President.

The Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, SASSCAL, Projektträger Jülich, the University of Namibia and the Namibia Green Hydrogen Research Institute (NGHRI) are implementing partners in the project.

The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space with €2.85 million under the Namibia-Germany Joint Communiqué of Intent (JCoI).

It will establish a specialised testing facility for safety, reliability and sustainability research, materials testing and engineering innovation for green hydrogen technologies.

“These capabilities are essential if Namibia is to participate meaningfully across the entire green hydrogen value chain,” Witbooi said.

“Countries that lead in science are better positioned to lead in industrialisation. Countries that invest in research create new industries. Countries that innovate create new jobs and new enterprises, and countries that develop knowledge create sustainable prosperity.”