Dâures green hydrogen to construct Namibia’s first hydrogen fertiliser plant

The Dâures Green Hydrogen Village has broken ground for the construction of Namibia’s first low-carbon fertiliser plant, a facility expected to transform the country’s agriculture and industrial landscape.

The facility, which will produce ammonia and ammonium sulphate fertiliser from green hydrogen, is set to be completed in 2026. Once operational, it will showcase the full value chain from hydrogen production to fertiliser manufacturing, the first of its kind in the country.

Minister of agriculture, fisheries, water and land reform Inge Zaamwani-Kamwi, in a speech delivered on her behalf at the groundbreaking ceremony at Dâures on Friday, said the plant comes at a crucial time as Namibian farmers face land degradation, declining soil fertility, reduced water retention, and nutrient loss.

“This project responds directly to these challenges by restoring soil productivity, increasing agricultural resilience, and ensuring that farmers, particularly in rural areas, gain access to affordable, high-quality fertilisers,” she said.

Namibia, the minister said, will pursue a holistic soil fertility management approach that integrates science with traditional practices to safeguard both food security and the environment.

United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (Unido) secretary general Gerd Müller in a virtual message expressed the organisation’s pride to support the village through its global programmes and a €4,6-million (N$90-million) grant.

“This initiative is about more than technology; it is about people, jobs, and opportunities. Already, it has created employment for hundreds of Namibians and engaged local businesses. It will reduce dependence on imports, strengthen local farming, and build new skills and capacities,” he said.

Erongo governor Natalia /Goagoses described the project as a flagship investment that would transform sunshine into opportunity.

She noted that more than 300 jobs have already been created and emphasised that the plant would empower Namibians through skills transfer, ensure food security, and position Erongo as a hub for agricultural and industrial trade.

“The Dâures green hydrogen and ammonium sulphate plant is more than an industrial investment; it is a symbol of progress and transformation,” /Goagoses said.

Village chief executive Jerome Namaseb said the facility is aligned with targets set in Namibia’s upcoming sixth National Development Plan (NDP6) to localise fertiliser production.

“This is not just a construction project; it is a pilot initiative and proof of concept that demonstrates what is possible when we leverage innovation, partnerships, and forward-looking policies,” he noted. – Nampa

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