In a landmark moment for Africa’s energy transition, Cleanergy Solutions Namibia officially launched the continent’s first fully integrated green hydrogen production and refuelling facility on 18 September 2025 in Walvis Bay. The historic event was presided over by the Rt. Honourable Dr. Tjitunga Elijah Ngurare, Prime Minister of the Republic of Namibia, on behalf of President Dr. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah.
Rt Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Elijah Ngurare opens Africa’s first integrated green hydrogen plant
The event brought together a high-level delegation of government officials, European dignitaries, development partners, and representatives from the private sector and civil society. The Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management (SASSCAL), represented by Executive Director Prof. Nelago Indongo, proudly participated in the ceremony-reaffirming its role as a strategic partner in Namibia’s green hydrogen ecosystem.
This milestone comes just one day after SASSCAL and Cleanergy Solutions Namibia signed a new €2.057 million cooperation agreement, funded by the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), to launch Phase 2 of the project.
The newly inaugurated facility features an off-grid, solar-powered electrolyser that produces green hydrogen from water. It also includes a refuelling station for hydrogen-powered vehicles and machinery, Namibia’s first hydrogen-powered bus, used as a mobile demonstration and education platform and a state-of-the-art Hydrogen Academy where Namibians are being trained in hydrogen technologies.
Already, the facility is delivering hydrogen for a wide range of real-world applications such as dual-fuel trucks for logistics, a hydrogen tractor for off-road/agricultural use, and hydrogen-powered generators for off-grid power supply.
In the keynote speech, the Prime Minister stated “As Head of State, I reaffirm my government’s commitment to support initiatives that advance our green hydrogen agenda, create jobs, and secure long-term prosperity for Namibia. My government is committed to continuously improve on the ease of doing business to ensure that projects of this magnitude succeed and multiply. This inauguration is not the end of a journey but the beginning of a new chapter in Namibia’s industrial and developmental transformation. Together, we are laying the foundations for an economy that is resilient, inclusive, and sustainable.”
Rt Hon. Prime Minister Dr. Elijah Ngurare
The German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), represented by Mr. Florian Seitz, Deputy Head of the German Embassy in Namibia, emphasised the strategic importance of the green hydrogen sector for a more sustainable future and job creation in Namibia. He also indicated that BMFTR supported this pilot project with funding of NAD 300 million, approximately one-third of the total investment to date.
Mr. Florian Seitz, Deputy Head of the German Embassy in Namibia
One of the most distinctive elements of the Cleanergy project is its focus on capacity development. Through its Hydrogen Academy, Cleanergy is offering hands-on training and safety demonstrations to Namibian technicians, students, and professionals. Training programmes have already been conducted in partnership with European and Namibian institutions, creating new pathways for local talent to participate in and lead the green hydrogen value chain.
The Cleanergy project has received strong backing from BMFTR through SASSCAL, under the framework of the Joint Communiqué of Intent (JCoI) between the Governments of Namibia and Germany.
CMB.TECH CEO Alexander Saverys described the project as “a symbol of African–European cooperation and a model for energy resilience,” while O&L Executive Chairman Sven Thieme called it “a platform for value creation and sustainability.”
Alexander Saverys, CMB.TECH CEO
As a key implementing partner, SASSCAL continues to coordinate efforts under the JCoI, supporting Cleanergy’s expansion and facilitating local research, training, and infrastructure support. The recent Phase 2 Agreement between SASSCAL and Cleanergy will scale up activities related to mobile refuelling, dual-fuel vehicles, hydrogen-powered generators, PV panel cleaning research, and the establishment of UNAM’s hydrogen testing facility.
