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September 28, 2025
German energy giant RWE pulls out from Hyphen hydrogen deal over protest
The German energy company RWE has withdrawn from an agreement to purchase ammonia from the Hyphen Hydrogen Energy project at Lüderitz. This withdrawal follows pressure from the Nama Traditional Leaders Association (NTLA) and various international partners, who argue that the project violated indigenous rights on ancestral Nama land within the Tsau||Khaeb National Park. The NTLA [...]The post German energy giant RWE pulls out from Hyphen hydrogen deal over protest appeared first on The Namibian.
German energy giant RWE has backed out of a deal to buy ammonia from the ambitious Hyphen Hydrogen Energy project in Lüderitz, Namibia, after facing significant opposition. The decision comes in the wake of mounting pressure from the Nama Traditional Leaders Association (NTLA) and a coalition of international partners concerned about the project's impact on indigenous rights.
The NTLA has been vocal in its criticism, arguing that the Hyphen Hydrogen Energy project infringes upon the ancestral lands of the Nama people, specifically within the boundaries of the Tsau||Khaeb National Park. This park, a vital ecological area, holds deep cultural and historical significance for the Nama community. Their concerns revolve around the potential displacement of communities, disruption of traditional practices, and environmental damage associated with large-scale industrial development.
While the exact details of the original agreement between RWE and Hyphen Hydrogen Energy remain confidential, it was understood to be a significant offtake agreement, meaning RWE committed to purchasing a substantial portion of the ammonia produced by the project. Ammonia, derived from hydrogen, is a key component in various industries, including fertilizer production and as a potential fuel source.
The withdrawal of RWE represents a major setback for the Hyphen Hydrogen Energy project, which aims to establish Namibia as a leading producer and exporter of green hydrogen. The project envisions harnessing the country's abundant solar and wind resources to produce hydrogen through electrolysis, a process that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. This "green" hydrogen is then converted into ammonia for easier transportation and storage.
The NTLA and its international supporters are now calling for a comprehensive review of the Hyphen Hydrogen Energy project, demanding greater consultation with indigenous communities and a thorough assessment of its environmental and social impacts. They are advocating for a development model that respects indigenous rights, protects the environment, and ensures that local communities benefit from the project's economic opportunities. The situation highlights the growing importance of incorporating indigenous perspectives and addressing social concerns in large-scale renewable energy projects. It remains to be seen how Hyphen Hydrogen Energy will respond to these challenges and whether it can regain the support of key international partners.
The NTLA has been vocal in its criticism, arguing that the Hyphen Hydrogen Energy project infringes upon the ancestral lands of the Nama people, specifically within the boundaries of the Tsau||Khaeb National Park. This park, a vital ecological area, holds deep cultural and historical significance for the Nama community. Their concerns revolve around the potential displacement of communities, disruption of traditional practices, and environmental damage associated with large-scale industrial development.
While the exact details of the original agreement between RWE and Hyphen Hydrogen Energy remain confidential, it was understood to be a significant offtake agreement, meaning RWE committed to purchasing a substantial portion of the ammonia produced by the project. Ammonia, derived from hydrogen, is a key component in various industries, including fertilizer production and as a potential fuel source.
The withdrawal of RWE represents a major setback for the Hyphen Hydrogen Energy project, which aims to establish Namibia as a leading producer and exporter of green hydrogen. The project envisions harnessing the country's abundant solar and wind resources to produce hydrogen through electrolysis, a process that splits water into hydrogen and oxygen. This "green" hydrogen is then converted into ammonia for easier transportation and storage.
The NTLA and its international supporters are now calling for a comprehensive review of the Hyphen Hydrogen Energy project, demanding greater consultation with indigenous communities and a thorough assessment of its environmental and social impacts. They are advocating for a development model that respects indigenous rights, protects the environment, and ensures that local communities benefit from the project's economic opportunities. The situation highlights the growing importance of incorporating indigenous perspectives and addressing social concerns in large-scale renewable energy projects. It remains to be seen how Hyphen Hydrogen Energy will respond to these challenges and whether it can regain the support of key international partners.
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