Namibia inaugurates Africa’s first integrated green hydrogen facility

Namibia has inaugurated Africa’s first fully integrated green hydrogen facility in Walvis Bay. Developed by the Belgium-registered shipping group CMB.TECH, the off-grid plant integrates solar power generation, hydrogen production, and energy storage within a single ecosystem.

The facility utilizes a 5 MW solar park, a Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyser, and a battery energy storage system. Siemens Sub-Saharan Africa provided the essential electrical, automation, and safety systems, including a digital twin that allows nearly 80% of the plant’s processes to operate automatically.

Initial hydrogen production will power dual-fuel trucks, generators, and Namibia’s first hydrogen-powered freight locomotive. CMB.TECH plans to scale the facility’s capacity from 5 MW to 250 MW, with a long-term goal of reaching 500 MW. Future expansion strategies include developing maritime hydrogen refuelling infrastructure and producing ammonia near Arandis to position Namibia as a global energy exporter.