In a historic stride towards clean energy independence, the Right Honourable Prime Minister Dr. Elijah Ngurare officially inaugurated Africa’s first integrated green hydrogen plant at Cleanergy Solutions Namibia. The momentous event, attended by national leaders, European dignitaries, and community representatives, signals a new era of industrial transformation for Namibia, firmly anchored by substantial European Union financial backing.
The new facility, a cornerstone of Namibia’s Vision 2030, features a solar-powered electrolyser for production, a refuelling station for hydrogen-powered vehicles and industrial machinery, and an on-site Hydrogen Academy dedicated to building local expertise. The plant is already operational, powering dual-fuel trucks, tractors, and off-grid generators with locally produced, clean hydrogen.
Prime Minister Ngurare, speaking on behalf of Her Excellency President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, hailed the project as the beginning of a new chapter for the nation. “I reaffirm my government’s commitment to support initiatives that advance our green hydrogen agenda, create jobs, and secure long-term prosperity for Namibia,” he stated. “Together, we are laying the foundations for an economy that is resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.”
The inauguration underscores a powerful international partnership, with significant support from the European Union. EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, announced that the EU has mobilised a staggering €1.3 billion (approximately NAD 25 billion) in loans and grants to support Namibia’s burgeoning green hydrogen industry. This public funding is a catalyst, spurring over €20 billion (NAD 400 billion) in potential private investments under the EU’s Global Gateway strategy.
“This innovative European–Namibian project proves that our partnership delivers,” Commissioner Síkela said. “It creates new jobs, provides training opportunities for young Namibians, and supports local SMEs. Together we are building Namibia’s green industrialisation.”
The German government also contributed to the plant’s construction and its research and training programmes, a collaboration noted by Florian Seitz, Deputy Head of the German Embassy.
The project, a collaboration between Namibia’s Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group and Belgium’s CMB.TECH, was praised by both parties as a model of international cooperation. Alexander Saverys, CEO of CMB.TECH, called it “a symbol of strong African-European ties,” while O&L’s Executive Chairman, Sven Thieme, emphasised it as “a platform for value creation and sustainability.”
The future roadmap for Cleanergy is equally ambitious. By 2026, the hydrogen application will expand into rail, with plans to convert a diesel locomotive to run on hydrogen. Furthermore, a multi-purpose harbour vessel powered by dual-fuel hydrogen engines is currently under construction in the Netherlands and is scheduled for deployment in the Walvis Bay port next year. Both will be fuelled by the plant’s hydrogen, distributed via a mobile refueller.
A memorable highlight of the ceremony saw Prime Minister Ngurare refuelling Namibia’s first hydrogen bus, which will serve as a mobile educational platform. This initiative, alongside the ongoing programmes at the Hydrogen Academy, reflects a core commitment to ensuring Namibians are at the forefront of the green energy revolution.
With full-scale production now underway, this facility not only cements Namibia’s continental leadership in green energy but also deepens its strategic, multi-billion-dollar partnership with Europe, turning national ambition into tangible reality.