Namibia opens solar-powered green hydrogen hub

The hydrogen production plant marks a first step in establishing the southern African country as a hub in global green maritime corridors

Namibia has launched its first large-scale, solar-powered green hydrogen facility in Walvis Bay. It combines solar-powered electrolysis, a hydrogen refuelling station, and a dedicated Hydrogen Academy, bringing production, distribution, end-use and training together in one area.

Built by Cleanergy Solutions Namibia, the facility is expected to produce ammonia for maritime shipping and build a green hydrogen refuelling station.

It will supply green hydrogen to trucks, port equipment, rail applications and small ships. It marks a first step in establishing Namibia as a key hub in global green maritime corridors.

The Hydrogen Dune includes a 6.5 hectare solar park with a hydrogen production facility equipped with a 5 MW PEM electrolyser and a 5.9 MWh battery. This plant directly harnesses solar energy to produce hydrogen, which is then made available at the public hydrogen refuelling station for trucks and heavy-duty applications.

The electrolysers produce the green hydrogen based on the electricity input from the solar park and the energy stored in the battery energy storage system.

A hybrid control system manages the electricity flow to ensure stability for both the mini-grid and the hydrogen production.

Collaboration and sector coupling with green hydrogen

The project is a collaboration between the Belgian clean energy business CMB.Tech and Namibia’s Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group. Germany’s Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) has contributed grant financing for this phase of the project, as well as two related tugboat and locomotive projects.

Together with Member States and through the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, the European Union has mobilised €1.3 billion (N$25 billion) in loans and grants, driving more than €20 billion (N$400 billion) in potential private investments in Namibia’s green industrialisation.

A key feature of the project is Namibia’s first Hydrogen Academy, established on site to transfer knowledge and expertise. In partnership with European and Namibian universities and training institutes, the Academy will upskill local engineers, technicians and operators, ensuring that the hydrogen economy creates lasting employment and industrial capacity in Namibia.

Delivering a statement on behalf of the Head of State, Dr Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Prime Minister Dr Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare reiterated the government’s dedication to supporting initiatives that promote green hydrogen development, job creation and long-term national prosperity.

“My government is committed to continuously improving the ease of doing business to ensure that projects of this magnitude succeed—and are replicated—right here in Walvis Bay and beyond,” he said. 

He emphasised that the launch of the facility is more than just a ceremonial ribbon-cutting. “We are not merely launching a project; we are declaring Namibia’s unwavering ambition to play a leading role in the global clean energy transition. 

“This is about positioning Namibia as a key player in the production of green hydrogen and its derivatives.”

European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela said they are thrilled to see coming into action innovative projects built by European projects like the Cleanergy. 

“This project is the beginning of green hydrogen and ammonia production in Namibia; it will help position Namibia as a leader in green hydrogen and strengthen trade and innovation links with Europe. 

“We realise the potential of the green hydrogen industry for the economic future of Namibia, and under Global Gateway we are doing our best to tackle it with our 360-degree approach – supporting education, training, and regulatory framework – to create new jobs and boost local businesses.”

According to the European Commission, the project is set to expand to include an ammonia jetty and storage facility before scaling up hydrogen and ammonia production for export to South Africa and the EU, an investment estimated at €3 billion.

Cover photo:  Namibia’s first green hydrogen production plant – the Hydrogen Dune – also incorprates a refuelling station and hydrogen academy. Source: Cleanergy Solutions Namibia.