UNAM students to receive green hydrogen training overseas
In the global race for clean energy through developing green hydrogen, Namibia is making great strides. With partnerships such as the one between the University of Namibia (UNAM) and the Federal Institute of Materials Research and Testing (BAM) in Germany, this realization is beginning to take shape.A collaboration between the two institutions that promotes academic development has resulted in five PhD scholarships being awarded to UNAM candidates. The students will gain skills and experience in the fields of green hydrogen in Germany.
The five scholarship candidates are Andreas Namwoonde, Josua Junias, Nikanor Shikomba, Sam Shaanika and Leo Reinhold. They will study and work at BAM for three years as they attain their doctorate degrees in various fields that are critical to the development of the green hydrogen industry.
Addressing the awarded PhD candidates at a recent meeting, UNAM Vice-Chancellor Prof Kenneth Matengu, said that advancements in clean, renewable and sustainable energy are on the rise. “It is for this reason that UNAM, in response to the national call, established the Namibia Green Hydrogen Research Institute (NGHRI) so that the government, private sector and academia can build an economy for a prosperous future for all Namibians and the globe at large together.
“We are thankful to our government for embracing this idea and to the German government for being supportive from the beginning. We look forward to harvesting the fruits that come out of the green hydrogen tree.”
However, Matengu cautioned that this proverbial tree needs to be watered and cared for with special talent which he hopes these candidates will develop in careers to advance engineering that will enable the safe production delivery and use of hydrogen.
He also used the opportunity to announce that UNAM has appointed BAM’s Vice President Prof Thomas Bollinghaus as a Special Technical Advisor on Green Hydrogen and Honourary Professor in the School of Sciences in Welding Engineering.
Bollinghaus said that looking at the dynamics of these opportunities, the candidates have a bright future and upon returning with their crucial qualifications, they are set to become rare commodities themselves. “This is a great project that needs bright minds and I’m glad that we have chosen those great minds who are going to work and learn at BAM.
“Once you are finished you have to return as it is important to bring the knowledge and expertise back to Namibia and educate others,” Bollinghaus said.
One of the PhD recipients, Leo Reinhold, expressed his gratitude for this opportunity, saying that the quest for Namibia’s industrialisation requires capacity in terms of professionally skilled people who will drive the growth of this new energy sector. “My focus is on innovation and coming up with the best way to handle and transport this commodity safely in our environment. I am honoured to play a part in growing this new industry.”
Green hydrogen is a fairly new industry for Namibia and a lot of groundwork still needs to be done, including creating a specialised workforce as well as building the required infrastructure to support this industry, which is what partnerships such as the UNAM-BAM collaboration is aiming to achieve.