Namibia aims to lead in green hydrogen production, but sites like Shark Island, tied to colonial violence, risk being compromised. The expansion of ports threatens historical significance. Activists demand reconciliation and recognition of past atrocities, stressing the need for a deeper understanding of socio-cultural relations with the ocean and land.
In September 2025, Namibia is set to host the Global African Hydrogen Summit, with plans to establish the country as a leading producer of green hydrogen for export, particularly to European markets. However, the areas designated for this initiative are haunted by the legacy of colonial atrocities, with the ocean serving as the burial site for numerous Namibians, raising concerns about the potential compromise of these historic sites.
Shark Island, an inconspicuous peninsula near Lüderitz, is central to Namibia’s green hydrogen aspirations. The area is currently used as a tourist campsite but was historically known as Death Island, where a concentration camp operated during German rule from 1884 to 1915. This site has been largely erased from historical memory, yet recent investigations have brought renewed attention to the events that transpired there.
Between 1904 and 1908, under German colonial rule, British forces systematically killed approximately 100,000 Namibians, mainly from the Herero and Nama populations. Survivors were placed in concentration camps, forced into labor under brutal conditions. Forensic Architecture conducted research revealing evidence of these atrocities and warns that plans for port expansion at Shark Island threaten to further erode its historical significance.
While there is significant focus on land-based developments for green hydrogen, the ocean, tied to colonial histories of violence, remains undervalued in discussions about justice and memory. Historical practices included the disposal of deceased Namibians into the ocean, perpetuating trauma that persists in local consciousness, as expressed in the saying, “the sea will take you.”
Namibians are dedicated to remembering their past, with local groups restoring grave sites and building memorials. The dialogue surrounding recognition and equitable access to coastal resources is vital for healing and addressing historical injustices faced by affected communities.
As Namibia aims to become a key player in the burgeoning global green hydrogen economy due to its abundant renewable resources, critical infrastructure is needed to facilitate this production. Proposed port expansions in Walvis Bay and Lüderitz threaten both environmental and historical sites, including Shark Island.
Activists, including those from Black Court Studio, advocate for halting the expansion of port facilities to ensure meaningful engagement in the reconciliation process. This situation exemplifies how European interests dominate Namibia’s green energy sector, with the potential for repeating historical patterns of energy colonialism.
The ongoing partnerships between Namibia and European nations perpetuate (neo)colonial dynamics, often dispossessing local communities and neglecting sincere reparations for past injustices, despite claims of cooperative development. The introspective efforts of Black Court Studio play a crucial role in reigniting conversations about the socio-cultural relationship between Namibians and their maritime landscape.
Through community work and counter-mapping, this studio endeavors to revitalize connections to Shark Island, emphasizing the continuous cultural and spiritual ties to the ocean despite historical exploitation. Namibia’s coastal regions must not be viewed merely as resources for European energy goals but should be recognized for their deep historical and cultural significance as well. The call for a more profound understanding of these histories is essential for meaningful reconciliation in Namibia.
The article highlights the tension between Namibia’s ambitions for green hydrogen production and the historical significance of sites like Shark Island, which are intertwined with the traumatic legacy of colonial violence. Initiatives to expand infrastructure for hydrogen exports risk further eroding these sites, exacerbating historical injustices. Effective reconciliation requires acknowledging past atrocities and valuing the cultural and environmental relationships that exist in Namibia, advocating for a future that respects both memory and dignity in development efforts.
Original Source: www.inkl.com
