Namibia’s Shark Island: The Dilemma of Green Hydrogen and Colonial Legacies
Namibia is set to become a leader in green hydrogen production, but the regions designated for this purpose, especially Shark Island, are fraught with colonial historical significance. This site, notorious for its association with genocide, highlights the need for ethical considerations in development. Activists are calling for recognition of colonial atrocities and a halt to proposed expansions that threaten historical sites. An approach focused on reconciliation is crucial for a just energy transition.
In September 2025, Namibia will host the Global African Hydrogen Summit, aiming to become a prominent producer of green hydrogen for export, particularly to Europe. However, the regions earmarked for energy production are intertwined with deep-seated memories of colonial atrocities, specifically the ocean that holds the remains of countless Namibian victims. This juxtaposition raises ethical concerns regarding the exploitation of these sacred sites for energy transition purposes.
Shark Island, located near Lüderitz, is particularly significant in this context due to its history as a concentration camp during German colonial rule. Although it is currently a tourist campsite, its past as ‘Death Island’ underscores the tragic events that took place from 1884 to 1915, where many individuals lost their lives. Recent investigations have unearthed evidence of the genocide, reminding Namibians of the historical violence that their ancestors endured.
Under German rule, massive numbers of Namibians were killed between 1904 and 1908, leading to the devastation of the Herero and Nama populations, among others. Survivors were often sent to concentration camps, including Shark Island, where forced labor was common. Research by Forensic Architecture has digitally reconstructed these camps, revealing burial sites that are now threatened by proposed port expansions for green hydrogen transportation.
The ocean surrounding Shark Island is often neglected in discussions about Namibia’s green hydrogen ambitions. Historical accounts of Namibians being imprisoned at sea and the disposal of bodies into the ocean contribute to the deep historical scars that need recognition. Memories tied to the ocean invoke a painful legacy that persists in local consciousness, making it critical to honor these histories in the context of development.
As Namibia pursues its role in the global hydrogen economy, the proposed infrastructure enhancements, like the port expansions in Walvis Bay and Lüderitz, pose risks to historically significant sites, including Shark Island. Activists in Namibia are urging the government and corporations to reconsider these plans and engage in meaningful dialogue about reconciliation and remembrance of the past.
The anticipated green hydrogen initiatives in Namibia, particularly those affecting Shark Island, evoke a contentious intersection of environmental ambitions and historical traumas. While striving for renewable energy production, it is imperative to acknowledge the legacy of colonial violence that is embedded within these locations. Failure to respect the historical and cultural significance of such sites in favor of economic gain perpetuates cycles of injustice. Thus, a nuanced approach that prioritizes reconciliation is essential to forge a sustainable and equitable future for Namibia’s communities.
Original Source: www.inkl.com
