Key points:
- Solar-powered hydrogen plant debuts in Walvis Bay
- EU backs training and regulatory support
- Project includes Namibia’s first hydrogen academy
NAMIBIA has inaugurated its first large-scale, solar-powered hydrogen production facility, a milestone in the country’s ambition to drive green industrial growth and energy innovation.
Cleanergy Solutions Namibia Hydrogen Dune Project
The Cleanergy Solutions Namibia Hydrogen Dune Project, a partnership between Belgium’s clean energy firm CMB.Tech and Namibia’s Ohlthaver & List Group, is located in the coastal hub of Walvis Bay. Entirely powered by solar energy, the facility will generate green hydrogen to supply dual-fuel trucks, buses, port equipment, locomotives, generators and small ships.
Government backs inclusive growth
Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, speaking on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah at Thursday’s launch, said the project reflects Namibia’s commitment to inclusive growth, sustainable industrialisation and social development.
‘Cleanergy Solutions Namibia demonstrates how investment in green hydrogen can create jobs, build skills and empower our people while positioning Namibia as a global leader in sustainable energy,’ he said.
EU partnership and training
European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela hailed the facility as the start of Namibia’s green hydrogen and ammonia production, highlighting stronger trade and innovation links with Europe.
‘Under the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, we are supporting education, training and a transparent regulatory framework to create new jobs and boost local businesses,’ Sikela said.
Hydrogen academy to build skills
The venture also features Namibia’s first hydrogen academy, designed to train engineers, technicians and operators. The academy will operate in partnership with European and Namibian universities, ensuring a skilled workforce to meet the growing demands of the green hydrogen sector.
This launch underscores Namibia’s ambition to become a key player in the global clean energy market, blending renewable power with job creation and international collaboration.
