Green hydrogen manufacturing facility commences operations in Namibia
Cleanergy Solutions Launches Africa's First Integrated Green Hydrogen Plant
Namibia-based Cleanergy Solutions has made history by launching Africa's first integrated green hydrogen plant. The facility, located in Walvis Bay, is a significant step forward in Namibia's industrial and developmental transformation, as described by the country's Prime Minister, Dr Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare.
The unique site combines renewable production, refuelling, training, and end-use applications, making it the first of its kind on the continent. The project is a partnership between Cleanergy Solutions, Belgium's CMB.Tech, and the Ohlthaver & List Group.
The European Commission has identified the facility as part of wider cooperation under the EU's Global Gateway strategy. The project has received backing from Germany's federal ministry of research, technology, and space, and European institutions are providing training and research support for the initiative.
The plant includes solar-powered electrolysis, a hydrogen refuelling station, and a Hydrogen Academy, which provides training for the hydrogen industry. A mobile refueller operating at 500 bar will support flexible distribution across Namibia.
The initiative will expand into various applications, including rail applications, such as the conversion of a locomotive to hydrogen power in 2026. It will also extend to maritime applications, with the deployment of a dual-fuel harbour vessel in Walvis Bay next year.
Hydrogen produced at the plant is being used in dual-fuel trucks, off-road tractors, and monofuel hydrogen gensets for off-grid power generation. The project continues to receive support from European institutions for training and research.
The EU's Global Gateway strategy has mobilised €1.3bn in loans and grants for Namibia's green hydrogen sector. Other African hydrogen projects, such as HyIron's Oshivela facility in Namibia and planned export-oriented projects in Egypt and South Africa, are at varying stages of development.
The German development agency GIZ has been involved in the development of Namibia's first integrated green hydrogen plant and supported the construction of the Walvis Bay facility opened by Cleanergy Solutions. The project, valued at around 10 billion dollars, includes wind and solar power capacities to produce green hydrogen and ammonia by 2030.
The initiative will not only contribute to Namibia's Vision 2030 but also mark the beginning of a new chapter in Namibia's industrial and developmental transformation. It is a significant step towards a more sustainable future for Africa.
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