Page 6 - UNAM’s National Capstone Contributions

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The University of Namibia Sam Nujoma Campus in Henties Bay has the first-of-its-kind in the
world desalination plant, which is entirely and directly operated by solar power. The plant can
produce 3 000 litres of drinkable water per hour at almost no operational cost.

The seawater desalination pilot plant is a joint initiative between the University of Namibia and
the University of Turku in Finland, and was installed by Solar Water Solutions (Finland). UNAM was
using the plant to turn brackish and saline water into suitable water for human consumption and
agriculture. However, it will
now also form the basis to
the green hydrogen drive.

UNAM

leading

Green Hydrogen drive

amibia seeks to become a developed country with • Industry leadership, while minimizing environmental
inclusive growth and sustainable development. At impact.
Nthe core of this, is responsible, yet effective use of its
natural resources to the benefit of its citizens for economic NGHRI will provide a variety of services such as applied and
growth and prosperity. Green hydrogen, an energy source basic research, consultancies, commissioned research,
created using renewable energy could be the means capacity building, incubation services and piloting, and
to achieving these goals through the revitalization of technology transfer and commercialization. NGHRI’s Science
industry and employment creation while achieving carbon and Technology Park in the form of a self-contained mini-
neutrality. Namibia is endowed with natural resources with campus with state-of-the-art infrastructure, will comprise
world class potential for renewable energy through solar of fully equipped laboratories, R&D experimental stations,
and wind, pre-conditions for ‘green’ hydrogen production.
private sector and government representative offices
and experiment stations, an entrepreneurship and start-up
Namibia Green Hydrogen Research Institute (NGHRI), a incubation centre, a training centre, and wellness facilities.
national institute hosted at the University of Namibia, aims
to guarantee capacity and competence required for
the development of a full green hydrogen energy value Hosted at the University of Namibia, NGHRI’s main objectives
chain, through research, development and innovation, are:
production of mid-to-high level human resources, as well • To be a national research and development hub,
as support of evidence-based policy making and practice. • To provide for exchange of expertise,
• To upskill and reskill Namibians across all strata, and
The Namibia Green Hydrogen Research Institute is • To develop local businesses across the Green
committed to solving important energy challenges: Hydrogen value chain.
• Turning raw technology into practical solutions that
create exceptional value in the global marketplace.
• Developing new technologies, technical insight, and Its capacity includes:
training to produce, store, deliver, and utilize green • A distributed Science and Technology Park with
hydrogen energy in a variety of applications. Centres, facilities and staff in different locations.
• A future featuring greater levels of energy security, • 12 campuses, multiple parcels of land and facilities
environmental progress, and economic prosperity. in different Regions for the institute’s development.

UNAM’s National Capstone Contributions