Namibia-based Cleanergy Solutions has launched what is claimed to be the first integrated green hydrogen plant in Africa, with the official opening of its Walvis Bay facility.
The site brings together solar-powered electrolysis, a hydrogen refuelling station, and a dedicated Hydrogen Academy, combining production, distribution, end-use and training in one location.
Hydrogen produced at the plant is already being used in dual-fuel trucks, off-road tractors and monofuel hydrogen gensets for off-grid power generation. A mobile refueller operating at 500 bar will also support flexible distribution across Namibia.
Developed in partnership with Belgium’s CMB.Tech and the Ohlthaver & List Group, the project has received backing from Germany’s federal ministry of research, technology and space, alongside training and research support from European institutions.
The initiative will expand into rail and maritime applications, including the conversion of a locomotive to hydrogen power in 2026 and deployment of a dual-fuel harbour vessel in Walvis Bay next year.
Speaking at the inauguration, Namibia Prime Minister Dr Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare described the project as a step towards the country’s Vision 2030 and “the beginning of a new chapter in Namibia’s industrial and developmental transformation.”
European Commission officials also highlighted the facility as part of wider cooperation under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy, which has mobilised €1.3bn in loans and grants for Namibia’s green hydrogen sector.
Other African hydrogen projects are at varying stages of development, including HyIron’s Oshivela facility in Namibia and planned export-oriented projects in Egypt and South Africa, but Cleanergy’s site is the first to combine renewable production with refuelling, training and end-use applications.
