Namibia’s Shark Island: Green Hydrogen Initiatives Risk Colonial Legacies

Namibia aims to become a green hydrogen leader by hosting the Global African Hydrogen Summit in September 2025, but this ambition risks compromising sites like Shark Island. Shark Island, with its history as a site of genocide, faces threats from port expansions necessary for hydrogen transport. Local communities advocate for recognizing this history and ensuring equitable access to land and resources in the face of European energy interests.

In September 2025, Namibia will host the Global African Hydrogen Summit as it aims to become a leading exporter of green hydrogen to European markets. However, the regions designated for this development, particularly Shark Island, are steeped in colonial genocide history, serving as the final resting place for thousands of Namibians.

Shark Island, which is near Lüderitz, poses a significant risk as it is scheduled for port expansions to facilitate the transport of green hydrogen. Additionally, it is referred to as “Death Island” due to its historical legacy as a concentration camp during the German colonial rule from 1884 to 1915. The violence and aftermath of this period have left little physical evidence of the tragic events but persist in the memories of the Namibian people.

Between 1904 and 1908, German colonial forces decimated nearly 100,000 people from the Herero and Nama tribes, representing a significant portion of their populations. Survivors were forced into concentration camps where they endured harsh labor. The Research agency Forensic Architecture has reconstructed these camps digitally, underscoring the imminent threat that port expansions pose to Shark Island.

In the discussions surrounding green hydrogen projects, particularly the multinational endeavor Hyphen Energy, the ocean’s profound historical significance is often overlooked. The legacy of colonial violence, particularly the practice of throwing the remains of deceased victims into the sea, connects local communities to the ocean, reinforcing a narrative of collective trauma.

Amidst the rush toward green hydrogen production, local advocates urge the Namibian government to reconsider development plans for Shark Island and to engage in dialogues about reconciliation. Campaigners argue that these expansions continue colonial injustices, perpetuating a cycle of energy colonialism, whereby European nations exploit local resources while disregarding the historical wounds of the Namibian communities.

Renewable hydrogen is vital for global decarbonization, positioning Namibia as a key player in Europe’s future hydrogen economy due to its natural resources. Yet, the successful production of hydrogen hinges on establishing adequate industrial infrastructure and transportation networks, which necessitate port expansions in both Walvis Bay and Lüderitz, thereby risking further harm to Shark Island.

Organizations such as Black Court Studio are leading the charge for meaningful community engagement and recognition of past atrocities. Concurrently, they urge that development initiatives account for the socio-cultural bonds to the land and ocean that local communities share.

Efforts to recover the memory of Shark Island challenge prevailing narratives, urging recognition of the living connections between the Namibian people and their environment. The ocean and coastal areas should not be perceived as mere resources, but rather as vital elements of history and ecosystem deserving respect and understanding.

In summary, Namibia’s ambition to become a leader in green hydrogen production must navigate the complex legacy of colonial violence associated with Shark Island. Efforts to expand port facilities risk further erasing the painful history tied to this site. Local communities, through advocacy and cultural remembrance, are calling for a respectful and reconciliatory approach to development that acknowledges their historical trauma and ensures equitable rights to their coastal resources. Thus, the future of Namibia’s energy projects should integrate recognition and justice, rather than perpetuate colonial dynamics.

Original Source: www.inkl.com