Africa Pioneers Green Energy Revolution as Namibia Opens Continent’s First Integrated Hydrogen Plant
WALVIS BAY, NAMIBIA – History was made in Walvis Bay as Cleanergy Solutions Namibia officially inaugurated Africa’s first fully integrated green hydrogen facility, combining renewable hydrogen production, refueling infrastructure, and training facilities under one revolutionary hub.
The groundbreaking facility integrates solar-powered electrolysis units, a hydrogen refueling station, and a dedicated Hydrogen Academy designed to drive skills development across the continent. Hydrogen produced at the site is already powering dual-fuel trucks, off-road tractors, and monofuel hydrogen gensets for off-grid electricity generation, while a 500-bar mobile refueler will support broader distribution across Namibia.
Developed through a strategic partnership with Belgium’s CMB.Tech and the Ohlthaver & List Group, the facility represents a cornerstone of the European Union’s Global Gateway strategy, which has committed €1.3 billion in loans and grants to Namibia’s burgeoning hydrogen sector. Additional support has been provided by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, alongside training and research contributions from European institutions.
The project’s expansion plans extend far beyond current operations, with applications in rail and maritime transport on the horizon. A hydrogen-powered locomotive is scheduled for conversion in 2026, while a dual-fuel harbor vessel is expected to enter service at Walvis Bay in the same year.
Speaking at the historic inauguration, Namibia’s Prime Minister Dr. Elijah Ngurare emphasized that the project aligns with Vision 2030 and marks “the beginning of a new chapter in Namibia’s industrial and developmental transformation.” Minister of Mines and Energy Tom Alweendo added, “The Walvis Bay plant demonstrates that Namibia can produce clean hydrogen, expand energy access, and develop skilled jobs for our people.”
Source: energycapitalpower.com
