Namibia has taken a landmark step in Africa’s energy transition with the launch of one of the continent’s first fully integrated commercial green hydrogen port projects at Walvis Bay.
A 5 MW green hydrogen plant, which began operations in December 2025, has been developed by Plug Power in partnership with Cleanergy Solutions Namibia. Powered entirely by renewable solar and wind energy, the facility produces hydrogen directly at the port to support daily operations, reducing reliance on conventional fuels and cutting emissions.
Located at Namibia’s main export hub, the plant supplies green hydrogen for port equipment, including yard trucks, cargo cranes and small service vessels. The project is widely seen as a practical model for other African ports seeking to decarbonise logistics and industrial activity.
At full capacity, the system produces around two tonnes of green hydrogen per day, enough to operate more than 40 heavy-duty port vehicles. The electrolysis process uses renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen, with the oxygen either safely released or stored for industrial use. The plant consumes roughly nine litres of water per kilogram of hydrogen produced and occupies a footprint comparable to a small warehouse.
Project developers say the facility was designed for long-term operation and scalability, allowing components to be replaced or upgraded without major construction. Future expansion is expected to lower costs through increased capacity and shared infrastructure.
For Plug Power, the Walvis Bay project marks its entry into the commercial green hydrogen market in Sub-Saharan Africa, building on its existing operations in Europe and the United States. Company officials highlighted Africa’s abundant renewable resources as a strong foundation for growth, noting that planned projects across the continent could exceed 1 GW of total capacity, with interest from mining companies and government entities.
Walvis Bay, home to around 65,000 residents, plays a critical role in Namibia’s export economy, handling commodities such as uranium and fish. Its high solar irradiation and strong coastal winds make it well suited for renewable energy development. Beyond environmental benefits, the hydrogen project generated around 150 direct jobs during construction and start-up, along with approximately 200 indirect jobs across the supply chain. Cleanergy Solutions Namibia is also collaborating with local training centres to build skills in hydrogen system operation and maintenance.
Looking ahead, project partners are assessing options to export surplus hydrogen, potentially in the form of green ammonia for fertilisers and marine fuels. Such plans could support local industry, attract foreign investment and position Namibia as a regional green hydrogen hub.
Industry observers say the Walvis Bay facility demonstrates how green hydrogen can help decarbonise ports, shipping and heavy industry, particularly in emerging economies. Plug Power and Cleanergy Solutions Namibia are already planning a second phase that would double capacity to 10 MW, add ammonia production facilities and explore the use of hydrogen-powered vessels at the port, further strengthening Namibia’s role in the global clean energy transition.