Cleanergy Solutions: integrated renewable hydrogen plant online in Namibia

Click to learn more. Prime Minister Dr. Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare ceremoniously refueling Namibia’s first hydrogen bus at the newly-inaugurated hydrogen pilot plant. Source: CMB.TECH.

Namibia-based developer Cleanergy Solutions has officially opened its renewable hydrogen production and refueling facility in Walvis Bay on the country’s west coast. The facility features a solar-powered off-grid electrolyser for renewable hydrogen production, a refuelling station for hydrogen-powered vehicles and industrial applications, and an on-site Hydrogen Academy for local talent development.

As per previous announcements, this is a pilot (and first phase) of a much larger project which will produce commercial scale renewable ammonia (185,000 tons per year by 2028) for export via the Port in Walvis Bay. The pilot features 5 MW solar capacity and 5 MWh BESS capacity powering 5MW electrolysers for hydrogen production.

Renewable hydrogen applications

Thus far, the hydrogen produced from the site has been utilised in dual fuel trucks, a dual fuel tractor and a monofuel hydrogen genset.

Next year, the hydrogen will be applied to rail and maritime sectors. A dormant diesel-powered locomotive will be repurposed to run on hydrogen, boosting the country’s rail potential and supporting growth at Walvis Bay port. Also set to be deployed in Walvis Bay port later next year, a dual fuel hydrogen engine powered multi-purpose harbour vessel is currently under construction in the Netherlands. Both applications will be fuelled by the locally produced renewable hydrogen. The hydrogen will also be distributed for utilisation across the country via a 500-bar mobile refueller.

At the official opening event, Prime Minister Dr. Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare ceremoniously refueled Namibia’s first hydrogen bus. Through its on-site Hydrogen Academy, over the past months, Cleanergy has delivered training programmes on hydrogen technologies. By bringing this facility online, Cleanergy reinforces Namibia’s continental leadership in renewable energy.

The Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space of Germany, which has contributed to the plant’s construction, ongoing research and on-site training activities, was also represented at the opening ceremony as was a joint delegation from the European Commission and European Parliament.

As Head of State, I reaffirm my government’s commitment to support initiatives that advance our green hydrogen agenda, create jobs, and secure long-term prosperity for Namibia. My government is committed to continuously improve on the ease of doing business to ensure that projects of this magnitude succeed and multiply. This inauguration is not the end of a journey but the beginning of a new chapter in Namibia’s industrial and developmental transformation. Together, we are laying the foundations for an economy that is resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.

The Hon. Dr. Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare, Prime Minister of the Republic of Namibia, in CMB.TECH’s official press release, 18 September 2025

This innovative European–Namibian project proves that our partnership delivers: it creates new jobs, provides training opportunities for young Namibians, and supports local SMEs. We support the development of Namibia’s green hydrogen industry with our Global Gateway strategy The EU has already mobilised €1.3 billion (NAD 25 billion) in loans and grants, spurring over €20 billion (NAD 400 billion) in potential private investments. Together we are building Namibia’s green industrialisation.

Jozef Síkela, EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, in CMB.TECH’s official press release, 18 September 2025

Today marks a proud moment for all of us. This facility is the result of true international collaboration— combining Namibian ambition and European innovation. It’s a model for sustainable energy and a symbol of strong African-Europeans ties.

Alexander Saverys, CEO of CMB.TECH, in his organisation’s official press release, 18 September 2025