Namibia Greenlights 3 GW Solar Hydrogen Project in Erongo to Boost Renewable Energy and Ammonia Exports
Namibia has officially approved a 3 GW solar-to-hydrogen and ammonia project in the Erongo region, marking a major step toward positioning the country as a leader in Africa’s renewable energy transition.
Across the continent, nations are investing in large-scale renewable projects to diversify their energy mix and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
With vast, sun-drenched deserts and low population density, Namibia offers some of the best conditions in the world for solar energy generation.
Despite its abundant natural potential, the country’s energy infrastructure remains underdeveloped, prompting efforts to find scalable, sustainable solutions to boost capacity.
The idea of using solar power to produce green hydrogen and ammonia has emerged as a transformative strategy for Namibia’s energy future.
The project—developed by Italian energy company Zhero Molecules Walvis Bay (Pty) Ltd—recently received environmental clearance from Namibia’s Ministry of Environment, Forestry and Tourism, securing an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC).
The next regulatory step will be obtaining a generation license from the Electricity Control Board.
Spanning approximately 5,300 hectares across three sites near Walvis Bay, Namibia’s second-largest city and main port, the development will include:
A 3 GW solar farm
A 3,500 MWh battery storage system
Facilities for electrolysis, hydrogen production, and ammonia export
Once operational, the hydrogen plant is expected to produce around 98,000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, which will be converted into approximately 550,000 tonnes of green ammonia for export to Europe and other international markets.
This landmark project aligns with the global shift toward clean hydrogen as a sustainable energy carrier. Countries such as Norway are already modifying vessels to operate on ammonia, while global policymakers increasingly recognize hydrogen’s potential to power heavy industry and transport with zero carbon emissions—its only byproduct being water.
As Namibia advances this flagship project, it positions itself as a key player in the global green hydrogen economy, contributing both to Africa’s energy independence and to the world’s low-carbon future.
