Alweendo calls for alignment of green hydrogen standards

WINDHOEK: Minister of Mines and Energy , Tom Alweendo , has stressed the importance of aligning green hydrogen standards , saying the Global African Hydrogen Summit offers a platform for discussing the setting of benchmarks . Alweendo during a panel discussion on Wednesday at the Global African Hydrogen Summit ' s opening in Windhoek highlighted the event ' s role in discussing the setting of benchmarks for green hydrogen based on European Union ( EU ) standards , with a focus on how Namibia and Africa can meet these criteria . He highlighted a potential difference in perspectives between European nations and Namibia , suggesting that European countries may view Namibia primarily as a consumer of green hydrogen rather than a producer . ' In contrast , Namibia sees itself as a key producer with its own vision of what green hydrogen standards should entail ,' he said . Alweendo noted that the summit emphasises the need for cooperation between producers and consumers of green hydrogen to ensure consistent standa rds and promote fair competition in the global market . ' This event highlights the critical role of international collaboration in advancing the green hydrogen sector and supporting global environmental goals ,' he said . He urged delegates from European countries to collaborate on establishing and adhering to global standards to facilitate international trade and development in this sector . The EU Commissioner for Energy , Kadri Simson , also addressed the summit , emphasising the importance of creating a level playing field for green hydrogen producers worldwide . ' While European industries have a significant demand for green hydrogen , the most substantial benefit they can offer globally is the establishment of equitable standards for green hydrogen production and trade ,' she said . The three - day Global African Hydrogen Summit brings together leading role players in the sector , including heads of state , and is being held under the theme ' From Ambition to Action : Fuelling Africa ' s Green Industri al Revolution . Source: The Namibia News Agency