Cleanergy Solutions unveils Namibia’s pioneering hydrogen hub

From the newsletter

Namibia-based green hydrogen developer Cleanergy Solutions has launched the country’s first integrated green hydrogen hub in Walvis Bay. Part of the Hydrogen Dune Project, the facility comprises a solar-powered, off-grid electrolyser and a refuelling station for hydrogen-powered vehicles and industrial applications. It also features a Hydrogen Academy to train Namibians in hydrogen technologies.

• The plant integrates the full hydrogen value chain from production to distribution and end-use, making it one of the most complete hydrogen hubs on the continent.

•  It prioritises skills development through the Hydrogen Academy, a dimension often overlooked as similar hubs in Africa focus mainly on production while neglecting downstream use and training.

More details

• Established in 2021, the Hydrogen Dune Project is located in the coastal town of Walvis Bay, Erongo region, central-western Namibia. It is a joint venture between Belgian shipping and clean energy company CMB.TECH and Namibia-based Ohlthaver & List Group (O&L), the parent company of Cleanergy Solutions Namibia (CSN).  It comprises a 5 MWp solar park spanning 6.5 hectares, an off-grid hydrogen production facility with a 5 MW electrolyser and a 5.9 MWh battery. The project is funded by the German government and the EU through the Global Gateway Initiative.

• In a speech delivered on her behalf by Prime Minister Dr Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare at the grand opening ceremony on 18 September, Namibia’s president Netumbo-Nandi-Ndaitwah hailed the Hydrogen Dune Project as a symbol of “hope, transformation and empowerment” and a bold statement that “Namibia is shaping the global energy conversation.”

•  “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. My government is committed to improving the ease of doing business to ensure that projects of this magnitude succeed and multiply,” she added.

• The Cleanergy Hydrogen Plant and Refuelling Station, uses only solar energy for the on-site production of green hydrogen. The hydrogen is already being used in road transport (dual fuel trucks), off road applications (dual fuel tractor) and off grid power generation (monofuel hydrogen genset).  In 2026, the project’s hydrogen uses will expand into rail and maritime applications, with an idle diesel locomotive set to be converted to run on hydrogen.

• Additionally, a multi-purpose harbour vessel powered by dual fuel hydrogen engines is currently being built in the Netherlands and will be deployed in Walvis Bay port by end of 2026. Both applications will be fuelled by the locally produced green hydrogen, distributed via a 500-bar mobile refueller for flexible use across the country.

• At the heart of these developments is the involvement of CMB.TECH. The company combines maritime shipping expertise with advanced hydrogen technologies, bringing proven dual-fuel applications to Namibia’s transport and port sectors. Its role ensures the project moves beyond production into practical deployment, powering trucks, tractors, locomotives, and vessels, while linking Namibia’s hydrogen ambitions to European markets and funding streams.

• Cleanergy Solutions Namibia, as the local project partner, anchors the initiative within the country’s broader energy transition agenda. Beyond operating the hydrogen plant and refuelling station, CSN is leading the country’s first Hydrogen Academy which will equip Namibians with technical expertise in hydrogen production, safety and applications. This commitment to local growth was recognised when it won the Local Content Champion of the Year Award at the recently concluded Global African Hydrogen Summit, underlining its dedication to homegrown expertise and a community-centred green energy transition.

• This is what makes the Hydrogen Dune Project truly integrated and sets it apart from other African hydrogen plants. While several countries have launched projects branded as “integrated”, most fall short of covering the entire value chain. For instance, Egypt’s Ain Sokhna facility, often described as Africa’s first integrated green hydrogen plant, integrates renewable power and electrolysis but focuses largely on producing hydrogen for conversion into ammonia exports with little emphasis on local training or end-use.

• With Phase 1 complete, the Hydrogen Dune Project is moving into Phase 2. The next stage will build on current successes by prioritising local hydrogen applications, upskilling and capacity building, safety training and advancing research and technical development. It will be supported by a US$2.2 million funding and cooperation agreement between CSN and the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL), backed by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR).

Our take

• The hub builds on Namibia’s growing credibility as a leading player in innovative, value-chain wide hydrogen development. With this sustained momentum, Namibia is increasingly a country to watch in Africa’s hydrogen economy.

• The integrated model demonstrates that hydrogen projects can go beyond exports, anchoring real economic and environmental value within host countries.

• This project underlines that Africa is not just a recipient of external solutions but an active generator of innovations tackling climate change, sustainability and industrialisation challenges.