Africa’s first fully integrated green hydrogen facility

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Africa’s first fully integrated green hydrogen facility in Namibia is taking shape with the installation of installed a 5MW GenEco electrolyser system courtesy of Plug Power Inc.

An image of a Plug Power hydrogen facility

Source: Plug Power Inc

Plug provides electrolysers, liquid hydrogen, fuel cell systems, storage tanks and fueling infrastructure to industries such as material handling, industrial applications and energy producers

The Cleanergy Solutions Namibia project at Hydrogen Dune combines solar-powered hydrogen production, a public refueling station and support infrastructure, marking milestone for Africa’s emerging hydrogen market.

“Projects like Cleanergy Solutions Namibia demonstrate how green hydrogen is moving from concept to commercial reality,” said Jose Luis Crespo, President and Chief Revenue Officer of Plug.

”By deploying our electrolyser technology in growing hydrogen markets such as Namibia, we are helping partners build reliable, scalable hydrogen infrastructure that can decarbonise transportation and industrial activity today while supporting long-term economic development.”

Hydrogen expansion

Back in 2019, Port of Walvis Bay doubled its capacity with a new container terminal on reclaimed land.

This development included significant developments in green hydrogen and power generation, alongside ongoing urban growth projects like new townships for housing, all aimed at boosting Namibia’s logistics, trade, and sustainable energy sectors.

The Walvis Bay project plant represents Africa’s first fully integrated commercial green hydrogen facility and will serve as the foundation for expanding hydrogen mobility across Namibia and neighbouring markets.

Plug’s PEM GenEco electrolyser is integrated directly at Cleanergy Solutions Namibia’s Hydrogen Dune site, which includes a 5MW solar park spanning more than 6.5 hectares and a 5.9 MWh battery energy storage system to produce renewable hydrogen off-grid.

This locally generated hydrogen will support hydrogen-powered trucks, port and rail equipment and small ships operating through the Port of Walvis Bay, while also supplying vehicles converted on site for dual-fuel operation using hydrogen and conventional fuels.

The Cleanergy Solutions Namibia project is expected to serve as a replicable model for hydrogen infrastructure development across Africa, positioning Namibia as a regional leader in renewable hydrogen production with export potential.