Africa-Press – Namibia. Prime Minister Elijah Ngurare yesterday inaugurated Namibia’s first green hydrogen production and refuelling facility. Developed by Cleanergy Solutions Namibia, a strategic partnership between the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group and diversified maritime group CMB Tech, the project is a key milestone in Namibia’s ambition to become an African logistics and energy hub.
Powered by a solar-driven, off-grid electrolyser, the facility produces green hydrogen and provides a refuelling station for hydrogen-powered vehicles and industrial applications. It also houses a Hydrogen Academy, which will train Namibians in hydrogen technologies and build local expertise in the emerging sector.
Locally produced hydrogen is already being used in road transport through dual-fuel trucks, in agriculture with dual-fuel tractors, and in power generation with a monofuel hydrogen genset.
Speaking on behalf of President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, Ngurare said the project represents hope, transformation, and empowerment. He emphasised that Namibians are actively involved in the transition, benefiting from training and capacity development.
“Jobs created here go beyond statistics; they represent dignity, livelihoods, and opportunities for families and communities across the nation. The ripple effect will be far-reaching, strengthening education, empowering small businesses, and supporting local industries,” the PM said.
He added that the project demonstrates how industrialisation and sustainability can reinforce each other, creating inclusive growth and shared prosperity for all Namibians.
“Namibia stands at the dawn of a new era with abundant wind and solar resources, uniquely positioned to become a global hub,” he said.
Ngurare noted that the facility aligns with Namibia’s Vision 2030, describing it as a strategic milestone that positions the country at the forefront of Africa’s green energy revolution.
The inauguration signals Namibia’s growing role in the global green hydrogen economy, with international partnerships continuing to drive investment and knowledge exchange.
Ngurare added that the energy revolution belongs to all Namibians. “It belongs to the young pursuing careers in science, technology, and engineering. It belongs to the workers whose hands and skills are building these world-class facilities. It belongs to every Namibian family who will benefit from a greener and stronger economy… Let us embrace this moment with courage and determination. Let us nurture a generation that dreams boldly, innovates fearlessly, and takes pride in building a Namibia that shines as a beacon of clean energy leadership,” he said.
The German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space, represented by Horian Seitz, Deputy Head of the German Embassy, contributed to the construction of the plant as well as ongoing research and training activities on site.
European Commissioner Jozef Sikela said the project is important for both Namibia and Europe, noting the presence of a joint delegation from the European Commission and European Parliament at the opening ceremony.
“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 through our Global Gateway strategy. The EU has already mobilised €1.3 billion (N$25 billion) in loans and grants, spurring over €620 billion (N$400 billion) in potential private investments. Together, we are building Namibia’s green industrialisation,” said Sikela. In April this year, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah officiated at the launch of the HyIron Oshivela plant. That inauguration marked the launch of Africa’s first green iron facility, a milestone in Namibia’s sustainable industrial development and its green industrial revolution. The plant uses green hydrogen technology to produce green iron with net-zero emissions, positioning Namibia as a leader in the global green energy transition.
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