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Economics Minister Robert Habeck (Greens) with Namibian Energy Minister Tom Alweendo
Photo: Bernd von Jutrczenka / dpa
The energy turnaround is a tour de force for Germany, and the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine has pushed the topic up the agenda.
In search of alternative energy sources, Federal Minister of Economics Robert Habeck (Greens) traveled to Namibia to promote a joint project with the government there.
On site, the Vice-Chancellor warned against a European “energy imperialism”.
Joint cooperation must first and foremost benefit the people of Namibia, said Habeck in Windhoek.
"The last thing we can accept is some kind of green energy imperialism," says Habeck.
That would mean Namibia developing energy, Europe or Germany siphoning it off and leaving the country alone.
In Namibia, a major project to set up production of "green" hydrogen is planned with an investment volume of around ten billion dollars.
That roughly corresponds to Namibia's annual economic output, said Habeck.
A German company is also involved in the project.
Habeck spoke to Namibian President Hage Geingob and Energy Minister Tom Alweendo.
Geingob emphasized new ways of cooperation with Germany.
Alweendo described Germany as an important partner.
Habeck said Germany is making Namibia an offer that may differ from other "energy-hungry" economies.
Germany wants the country to develop more, that people are qualified, that they find jobs and that unemployment falls.
The energy supply for Namibia and neighboring South Africa could become more robust and climate-friendly.
Germany would like to take what is left over as green ammonia, which can be transported by ship.
The past between the two countries is not without conflict: the German Reich was a colonial power in what was then German South West Africa from 1884 to 1915, and German troops brutally suppressed uprisings.
This colonial history should also be discussed during Habeck's visit before he flies on from Namibia to South Africa.
In Johannesburg on Wednesday he will open a German-African economic conference.
mrc/dpa
