Kaoko Green Energy Solutions and AW-Energy have appointed I.N.K Enviro Consultants to conduct the environmental and social impact assessment (ESIA) for the WaveRoller wave energy pilot project.
The news follows the signing of memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Kaoko Green Energy Solutions and Finnish company AW-Energy, to extract renewable energy from wave energy from the 1,300km long coastline of Namibia.
“This initiative is strategically located between Swakopmund and Henties Bay, an area renowned for its optimal bathymetry and waves – a perfect testing ground to validate the technology and gather essential data for the situational analysis of the Benguela Current System,” Kaoko Green Energy Solutions said.
The ESIA coincides with the environmental impact assessment (EIA) for the subdivision of a 20-hectare land, a mere kilometer from the shoreline where the WaveRoller units are slated to be deployed.
“This dual assessment approach underscores the commitment to a thorough and responsible evaluation of the project’s potential impact on both the environment and local communities,” the company said.
Kaoko Green energy Solutions aims to position wave energy as a prominent source of renewable energy in Namibia, supporting the development of numerous green hydrogen production plants.
The cost projections for the pilot project stand close to €1 million (N$20 million), covering the deployment of five WaveRoller-X devices, according to the company. These devices are expected to not only harness the power of ocean waves for electricity generation but also to deliver clean and affordable energy – approximately 200MWh per year – to communities along the coast of the Erongo Region.
Simultaneously, Kaoko Green Energy Solutions is also forging ahead with the Purros Hydrogen Hub (PHH) on 970 hectares of land, a project estimated to cost €9 million (N$180 million).
The WaveRoller wave energy pilot project, to be delivered in phases, starts with Phase 1 that will include a detailed site design and cover the fabrication and deployment of a WaveRoller wave farm on the coast of Swakopmund in Namibia, to deliver renewable power and support in-land resettlement and development.
Phase 2 will assess the capacity for wave farms in several locations in Namibia, while the final phase will expand wave energy plants to deliver power to the grid and help in new ways to provide energy for desalination and green hydrogen projects.
Christopher Ridgewell, CEO of AW-Energy earlier in the yearsaid: “With an energetic and consistent wave resource Namibia is very well positioned to utilize the benefits of wave energy to enable sustainable industries and jobs.
“The partnership with Kaoko is exciting. We’re enjoying working with Kaoko’s innovative team to support Namibia’s sustainability goals and it is an initiative that provides an excellent environment for deploying WaveRoller technology into Namibia’s energy mix.
“We are looking forward to taking the next steps together and to demonstrate WaveRoller’s value in desalination and green hydrogen production.”
Sacky Nalusha, director for Kaoko Green Energy Solutions at the same time added: “It is an open secret that the energy sector in the Southern Africa is currently underdeveloped, creating opportunities for innovative solutions and partnerships that can grow the sector.
“The current energy shortages in the region have paved ways to explore alternative, untapped and sustainable energy sources. Ocean waves have the potential to provide a sustainable solution to our energy needs and demands.”
Namibia is aiming to become a green hydrogen superpower in the coming decade by positioning itself as a leader in the emerging markets and an international exporter of green hydrogen.
Green hydrogen will be an important source of foreign investment and is important for the country’s energy security and transition. The government plans to use it extensively to decarbonize its own economy.
Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Council launched its green hydrogen strategy at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, which supports the country’s commitment to the Paris Agreement on climate change, with the ultimate goal of reducing emissions to net zero by 2050.
The strategy will also allow Namibia to become a net exporter of energy by unlocking its potential to meet global demands of 10 million metric tons by 2030 while playing a pivotal role in energy security for the region.