Sustainability
Namibia is one of the few countries in the world where protecting the environment is enshrined in its Constitution. This shows how important environmental protection is to Namibia.
To reach 2050 net-zero targets across the world, we estimate that 9,000 projects the same size as Hyphen would need to be built over the next 25 years (roughly 6,000 for direct electrification and 3,000 for green hydrogen and other derivatives).
Namibia is taking a global leadership position in the development of its green hydrogen strategy and engaging in extensive international diplomacy on green hydrogen and critical raw materials required in the green energy transition. Namibia is well positioned to be one of the first in the world to define what environmentally and socially sustainable development means. We are at the heart of this green revolution and are committed to establishing a clear global standard for environmentally and socially responsible project development.
Environmental Sustainability
We’re acutely aware of the importance of environmental protection, especially in a country like Namibia, which has diverse ecosystems, significant natural heritage and an extensive network of National Parks.
That’s why we’re considering all aspects of our natural world in our studies, surveys and project, including around ecology and areas of highly sensitive biodiversity. At every stage of our project, we are doing all we can to protect and minimise disturbance to the natural environment.
Standards and Commitments
Hyphen is aligned with Namibian environmental legislation and our project is being designed to meet the strictest international environmental protection standards to ensure crucial ecosystems are carefully managed and protected. These include the Equator Principles, which are based on the policies and guidelines of the World Bank and International Finance Corporation.
Hyphen and GRN are committed to developing Namibia’s hydrogen industry to the highest international standards in an inclusive way with stakeholders, while minimising impacts on the environment. Our Common User Infrastructure (CUI) design, which prioritises the movement of energy in the form of hydrogen molecules through a pipeline rather than electrical current through power lines, focuses on minimising the environmental footprint of Hyphen’s project and any future projects in the SCDI. Given the unique environment of the Tsau ||Khaeb National Park, the completion of the environmental permitting process will be a key part of the activities we need to carry out in order to reach final investment decision (FID).
Specialist advisors
To ensure the project is developed responsibility, Hyphen has appointed the global environmental consulting firm SLR as its environmental practitioner to guide the project through the environmental process in accordance with Namibian law and international best practice.
We’ve assembled a team of environmental experts from Namibia and the region to advise on how we develop the project. SLR is supported by a team of experts – each a recognised leader in their respective field – to undertake the many specialist studies we need before any construction work even begins.
Our environmental work, including studies, surveys and consultations, will be carried out in phases. Together, SLR and Hyphen have conducted a series of public participation workshops since 2022.
We are also working with Urban-Econ Nikela (Pty) Ltd on the socio-economic development baseline studies and Salients Transformation Solutionists Ltd.
Stakeholder Engagement
We know how important it is to make sure people are consulted, informed and updated about our project and that their voices are heard. We work closely with all our stakeholders, from GRN to communities, to listen to their views on our socio-economic development (SED) framework and what it means to them.
We are developing a comprehensive SED Strategy and Plan, which will bring benefits for people in Aus, Lüderitz and across Namibia, in partnership with a diverse group of stakeholders. We hold community roadshows and workshops across Namibia, and we will continue to maintain ongoing and active engagement with the many people, communities and organisations who are helping us shape our strategy and plan.
