Arandis: Cleanergy Solutions is set to invest N.dollars 50 billion in the construction of a large-scale green hydrogen and ammonia production facility in Arandis, aligning Namibia with its renewable energy goals. The facility will be developed on 2,400 hectares of land, featuring 900 megawatts of solar power and 500 megawatts of electrolysis capacity, aiming to produce an estimated 200,000 tonnes of ammonia annually. This project is a cornerstone of the next phase in Namibia’s green hydrogen strategy, complementing expanded operations at the Port of Walvis Bay.
According to Namibia Press Agency, Deputy Minister of Urban and Rural Development Evelyn Nawases-Taeyele spoke at a high-level stakeholder’s conference in Walvis Bay, applauding Namibia’s progress in establishing itself as a hydrogen leader through its partnership with Belgian firm CMB.TECH. The collaboration has already led to the launch of the Cleanergy Solutions pilot hydrogen project in Walvis Bay, focusing on hydrogen production for maritime transport.
‘This gathering signifies Namibia’s strategic action towards a sustainable future. Our partnership with CMB.TECH has positioned Namibia on the global stage as a beacon of green energy innovation,’ the deputy minister stated. She elaborated on the transition from a ‘Blue Ocean Strategy’ to a ‘Red Ocean Strategy,’ marking a shift from conceptualization to execution and competition.
The pilot site at Walvis Bay, referred to as Hydrogen Dune, is Namibia’s first complete hydrogen production and refueling facility, valued at approximately N.dollars 600 million, with partial funding from the German Ministry for Education and Research. Managing Director of Cleanergy Solutions, Eike Krafft, noted that the facility uses solar energy and battery storage to produce hydrogen through electrolysis. It includes storage tanks, a mobile refueler, and Namibia’s first hydrogen academy.
‘We are already testing a variety of applications, including hydrogen-powered trucks, generators, tractors, and a soon-to-arrive hydrogen locomotive. We are also developing a multi-purpose port utility vessel and a 55,000-tonne ammonia storage terminal in Walvis Bay,’ Krafft explained.
Arandis Town Council CEO Stanley Norris highlighted the town’s crucial role in the project’s final phase, stating that the council has approved the land and strategic framework for the hydrogen plant. He anticipates significant economic and industrial transformation for Arandis, shifting from light to heavy industry powered primarily by solar energy. ‘We are finalising contracts in phased developments and have already received N.dollars 20 million to service one of our residential extensions to support incoming workers and businesses,’ Norris added.