Namibia Launches Africa’s First Integrated Green Hydrogen Plant at Walvis Bay Port
A 5 MW green hydrogen plant has begun operations at Namibia’s Walvis Bay port, marking a significant step toward cleaner energy use in Africa’s transport and logistics sector.
The project was developed by Plug Power in partnership with Cleanergy Solutions Namibia and is among the continent’s first fully integrated commercial green hydrogen facilities powered entirely by renewable energy.
Located within Namibia’s main export port, the facility produces hydrogen on-site using electricity generated from nearby solar and wind installations.
The hydrogen is used to fuel port equipment, including yard trucks, cargo-handling cranes, and small service vessels.
By replacing conventional fuels, the project reduces emissions and fuel consumption from daily port operations, offering a practical model for other African ports seeking to lower their environmental footprint.
The plant is centered on a 5 MW electrolysis system that uses renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
At full capacity, it produces approximately two tonnes of green hydrogen per day, enough to support more than 40 heavy-duty port vehicles in regular service. Excess oxygen is either safely released or stored for potential use in industrial applications.
Producing one kilogram of hydrogen requires around nine liters of water, and the entire facility occupies a footprint comparable to a small warehouse.
The plant was designed for operational flexibility, allowing components to be replaced or upgraded without major construction work.
Project developers say the system is intended for long-term operation, with future expansion expected to lower unit costs through increased capacity and shared infrastructure.
For Plug Power, the Walvis Bay project represents its first commercial green hydrogen operation in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The company operates similar facilities in Europe and the United States and views Africa’s abundant solar and wind resources as a strong foundation for large-scale green hydrogen production.
Plug Power has indicated that proposed projects across the continent could exceed 1 GW in total capacity, with growing interest from mining companies and public sector institutions.
Walvis Bay, home to about 65,000 people, is a critical hub in Namibia’s export economy, handling commodities such as uranium and fish.
The area’s strong coastal winds and high solar irradiance make it well suited for renewable energy development.
Beyond environmental benefits, the hydrogen project created approximately 150 direct jobs during construction and commissioning, as well as around 200 indirect jobs in related sectors.
Cleanergy Solutions Namibia is working with local training institutions to develop skills in hydrogen operations and maintenance.
The project partners are also evaluating opportunities to export surplus hydrogen to international markets, potentially in the form of ammonia for fertilizer production and marine fuels.
Such exports could support local businesses, attract foreign investment, and strengthen Namibia’s ambition to become a regional hub for green hydrogen development.
