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Finland’s AW-Energy has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Kaoko Green Energy Solutions to explore the potential for wave energy projects in Namibia.

Under the agreement, which was signed on 3 May, the two firms have committed to exploring opportunities for the development of clean and sustainable ocean energy resources and the assessment phase for wave farm developments in Namibia.

Phase one will include a detailed site design and cover the fabrication and deployment of a WaveRoller wave farm on the coast of Swakopmund to deliver renewable power to support in-land resettlement and development.

Phase two will assess the capacity for wave farms in several locations in Namibia. The final phase will expand wave energy plants to deliver power to the grid and help to provide energy for desalination and green hydrogen projects.

Christopher Ridgewell, CEO of AW-Energy, said: “With an energetic and consistent wave resource Namibia is very well positioned to utilise the benefits of wave energy to enable sustainable industry and jobs.”

AW-Energy describes itself as a leader in near-shore wave energy technology and the company is keen to demonstrate the value of its proprietary WaveRoller technology in desalination and green hydrogen production.

Sacky Nalusha, a director for Kaoko Green Energy Solutions, said: “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.”

Namibia is hoping to become a major player in the emerging green hydrogen sector over the coming decade. The government plans to use hydrogen extensively to decarbonise the economy as well as becoming an exporter of green hydrogen.

Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Council launched its green hydrogen strategy at COP27 in Sharm El-Sheikh, with the ultimate goal of reducing carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. 

A critical part of the country’s clean energy strategy is upskilling the local workforce and the MOU includes provisions for knowledge transfer.

“This MOU is designed to help facilitate ways in which the WaveRoller wave energy device and its technology can be fabricated, manufactured and deployed using local people to support owner-operators in Namibia,” said Ridgewell. 

Top photo: Construction of a wave farm (supplied by AW-Energy)