Construction of Cleanergy Solutions Namibia, Africa’s first green hydrogen facility began last week in Walvis Bay, Namibia, marking a significant milestone in the region’s energy development. The project, known as Cleanergy Solutions Namibia, is a collaborative effort between the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group and CMB.TECH. It carries a substantial investment of approximately NAD3.5 billion (R3.5 billion).
According to Alexander Saverys, the head of CMB.TECH, the hydrogen production plant will utilize solar power for on-site hydrogen generation. This state-of-the-art facility is set to provide hydrogen to support trucks, port machinery, and railway equipment.
Saverys also mentions the establishment of a hydrogen academy as a vital component of the project. Its primary purpose will be to offer education and training to local residents on hydrogen technology and its diverse range of applications.
Sven Thieme, the leader of O&L, underscores that the cornerstone of Cleanergy’s operations centers around a vast solar power plant covering more than 10 hectares. This solar installation is complemented by a hydrogen production facility featuring a 5 MW electrolyser and a 5 MWh battery.
Thieme states, “This plant marks the inauguration of Africa’s inaugural hydrogen production facility of its kind, utilizing direct solar energy from the plant to produce hydrogen, which is subsequently available at a public fuel station.”
Namibia is endowed with abundant renewable energy sources, particularly solar and wind, especially within its coastal regions. As mentioned by Namibian Minister of Finance and Public Enterprises, Iipumbu Shiimi, these natural resources not only hold the potential for Namibia to satisfy its own energy requirements but also to become a significant exporter of clean energy, particularly to the European Union (EU).
Commencement date for the Cleanergy Solutions Namibia
The plant Is anticipated to be in full operation by the middle of the coming year, representing a groundbreaking milestone in Namibia’s journey toward sustainable development and green industrialization.
Cleanergy Solutions Namibia, Africa’s First Green Hydrogen Plant strategy is centered on harnessing renewable energy to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen, aligning with its commitment to reducing carbon emissions and driving economic growth. This strategic focus positions Namibia as a significant participant in the emerging global green hydrogen market, as highlighted by Shiimi.
Thieme emphasizes that the project will exert a substantial influence on both the nation and the community of Walvis Bay. It serves as a catalyst for economic expansion, imparts expertise to Namibians, and generates numerous local employment opportunities.
The project’s authenticity is underscored by the passionate dedication of all involved in establishing a more sustainable world. Through the green hydrogen plant, fuel station, and training center, not only will the viability of hydrogen production in the country be demonstrated, but the skills and knowledge required to sustain this new industry will also be cultivated.
In 2021, the Namibian government expressed a desire to promote clean industries within the country. To meet this need, Namibia’s Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group and Belgium’s CMB.TECH initiated a joint venture.
Notably, Ohlthaver & List (O&L) is Namibia’s largest private consortium of companies, contributing approximately 4% to the country’s GDP. CMB.TECH is a Belgian enterprise specializing in the construction, ownership, operation, and design of large-scale marine and industrial applications powered by hydrogen and ammonia.
Also read Launch of Green Hydrogen and Ammonia Development Framework in Namibia
