Namibia launches Africa's first integrated green hydrogen facility at Walvis Bay

The CMB Tech Namibia facility utilizes a 5MWp solar park, a 5 megawatt proton exchange membrane electrolyser, and a 5.9MWh battery storage system to produce green hydrogen off-grid. Siemens sub-Saharan Africa chief executive Sabine Dall'Omo stated that the facility demonstrates the current feasibility of large-scale clean energy production on the continent. The project's initial output is intended for dual-fuel trucks, generators, and a hydrogen-powered freight locomotive.

CMB Tech chief technology officer Roy Campe described the facility as a "living lab" for an integrated hydrogen economy, including a refuelling station and an on-site Hydrogen Academy for local talent development. The 6.5-hectare solar park currently has about 7,000 solar panels, with plans for significant expansion to 250MW and eventually 500MW capacity. Campe also expressed the ambition to position Namibia as an energy-exporting hub.

While the initial focus is on creating domestic demand, the facility is expected to expand into port-related applications, such as producing green ammonia for maritime use. Wiebke Polomka, senior manager for southern Africa at Afrika-Verein der deutschen Wirtschaft, noted the project's potential to reduce emissions in transport and logistics. The facility employs 25 people, with 24 b