Coordinator of the project:
[Coordinator to be confirmed]
Overall Objectives
The project establishes a transdisciplinary framework that bridges technological innovation with robust academic and vocational capacity building. Its primary goals are to develop an open-source, modular web application for comprehensive hydrogen infrastructure mapping and energy system modeling, and to deploy a physical and digital “Learning Factory” in Namibia featuring accredited training programs. By integrating local industry engagement, policy recommendations and rigorous socio-ecological impact assessments, the project ensures a sustainable, equitable workforce development model that maximises regional value creation and supports global energy transition goals.
Context: why is this action necessary?
The rapid emergence of the green hydrogen economy presents a transformative opportunity for intercontinental clean energy collaboration, particularly between Europe and pioneer nations in the Global South. However, these target regions face critical structural barriers that hinder sustainable development, including a severe lack of comprehensive digital infrastructure mapping, a shortage of localised technical expertise, and insufficient evaluation of socio-ecological risks — such as water scarcity and land rights issues — associated with large-scale hydrogen production.
What are the concrete actions that will be implemented?
The project focuses primarily on Namibia, Turkey and South Africa. It combines the development of the H2Map web application, the deployment of the Lüderitz Learning Factory at the Namibia University of Science and Technology (NUST), the joint development of accredited vocational and higher-education curricula, and the production of a socio-ecological impact framework together with policy and industry guidelines.
What is the expected impact of the project?
- H2Map WebApp: a modular, open-source online platform integrating geodata, energy system modeling and infrastructure visualization to assist investors and policymakers.
- The Lüderitz Learning Factory: a physical and digital educational environment at NUST equipped for hands-on technical training in hydrogen safety, production and applications.
- Accredited curricula & training programs: jointly developed vocational and higher-education training modules designed to cultivate a skilled local workforce, targeting a minimum of 40 % female participation.
- Socio-ecological impact framework: a localized dataset and methodology analyzing sustainability factors such as water footprints and socio-economic community safeguards.
- Policy & industry guidelines: a published hydrogen industry handbook and co-developed policy briefs outlining strategic recommendations for regulatory alignment and cross-border cooperation.