The nation’s initial major solar-driven green hydrogen plant, Cleanergy Solutions Namibia, was formally inaugurated on Thursday in the Erongo area.

The initiative is a collaboration between the Belgian clean energy firm CMB. Tech and Namibia’s Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group. Germany offered financial support through its Federal Ministry of Research, Technology, and Space (BMFTR) for this stage of the project, along with two related tugboat and locomotive projects.

The event was joined by senior officials, such as Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare, European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela, and Barry Andrews, who leads the European Parliament’s Development Committee (DEVE), along with other top-level government and private sector figures.

In a statement, Ngurare highlighted that Cleanergy Solutions Namibia illustrates how funding for green hydrogen can generate employment, develop expertise, and uplift communities, while establishing Namibia as a pioneer in sustainable energy on the global stage.

“Thanks to the backing of the European Union and our allies, Namibia is demonstrating that Africa can lead the way in the green industrial transformation,” he said.

European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela stated: “I am excited to witness the implementation of innovative initiatives developed by European projects such as Cleanergy. This project marks the start of green hydrogen and ammonia production in Namibia. It will assist Namibia in becoming a pioneer in green hydrogen, enhancing trade and innovation connections with Europe. We recognize the potential of the green hydrogen sector for Namibia’s economic future, and through Global Gateway, we are making every effort to address it with our comprehensive strategy – supporting education, training, and regulatory structures, to generate new employment opportunities and enhance local enterprises.”

Chair Andrew Barry stated for the European Parliament: “What we witnessed today is a clear example of the kind of bold and creative investments that can bring about meaningful change, by tackling the climate crisis, advancing human development, and reshaping production and consumption habits both in Namibia and across Europe. The inauguration today is expected to convey a powerful and unified message of optimism: More sustainable and mutually advantageous value chains can be established, while respecting international obligations and common values. And if the appropriate conditions are met, public and private investments can be combined in a way that benefits all communities and all levels of society.”

benefit.”

Alexandre Saverys, Chief Executive of CMB. Tech stated, “Today represents a proud moment for everyone. This facility is the outcome of genuine international cooperation – merging Namibian aspirations”

and European ingenuity. It serves as a blueprint for renewable energy and represents the robust connection between Africa and Europe.”

In the meantime, Cleanenergy Solutions will manufacture ammonia for use in maritime shipping and set up a green hydrogen refueling station in Walvis Bay. It will supply green hydrogen for trucks, port machinery, railway systems, and small vessels. This initiative represents an initial step towards positioning Namibia as a significant center within global green maritime routes.

In the future, Cleanergy Solutions Namibia plans to add an ammonia jetty and storage facility, followed by increasing the production of hydrogen and ammonia for export to South Africa and the European Union, with an investment projected to be €3 billion.

Officials seen at the unveiling of the nation’s first major solar-powered green hydrogen plant in the Erongo area (Photo by EU Delegation to Namibia).