Walvis bay: Cleanergy Solutions Namibia, the country's first-ever operational green hydrogen project, was inaugurated at Walvis Bay on Thursday, underscoring Namibia's ambition to become a global hub for renewable energy.
According to Namibia Press Agency, the Hydrogen Dune Project, a joint venture between the Ohlthaver and List (O and L) Group of Namibia and Belgium's CMB.TECH, represents an investment of N.dollars 220 million. It comprises a solar-powered, off-grid electrolyser that produces green hydrogen, a refuelling station for hydrogen-powered vehicles, and a Hydrogen Academy to train Namibians in hydrogen technologies. Locally produced green hydrogen is already being used for road transport, off-road machinery, and off-grid power generation.
The project was inaugurated by Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. In a speech delivered on her behalf, the Head of State hailed the launch as a defining moment in Namibia's journey towards a sustainable and prosperous future. 'This project speaks directly to our National Development Plan Six (NDP6) and aligns with the broader aspirations of Vision 2030. It symbolises the strides we are making to guarantee inclusive growth, sustainable industrialisation, and social upliftment,' she said.
The president commended O and L and CMB.TECH for their partnership, alongside Germany, the European Union, and other international partners. She reaffirmed government's commitment to support initiatives that advance the country's green hydrogen agenda, create jobs, and secure long-term prosperity for Namibia.
CMB.TECH Chief Executive Officer, Alexander Saverys, said the initiative demonstrates the true power of cooperation between Europe and Namibia. 'The energy transition is no longer just a vision, it is already delivering real benefits to the Namibian economy. To our European partners, our message is clear; invest in Africa, invest in Namibia, invest in education, infrastructure and security,' he said.
O and L Executive Chairman, Sven Thieme, noted that the project reflects what can be achieved when courage meets vision. 'Together, we took that bold step, invested, believed, and today we are proud to host one of the most ambitious projects of its kind. This is not just another project, it is a commitment to government, to people, and to the future of energy,' Thieme said.
As part of the inauguration, the prime minister refuelled Namibia's first hydrogen bus, which will serve as a mobile learning platform to showcase the hydrogen value chain.