Namibia urged to seize green hydrogen, ammonia opportunities

Cleanenergy Solutions’ plans to expand its hydrogen project into green ammonia production have drawn praise from the parliamentary standing committee on economy and industry, public administration and planning.

In an interview, the committee’s chairperson, Iipumbu Shiimi, said the initiative represents a key step towards building industries of the future.

Shiimi was speaking on the sidelines of the committee’s site visit at the plant at Walvis Bay on Friday.

Cleanergy currently operates a solar-powered hydrogen production facility with a public refuelling station, hydrogen academy, dual-fuel truck conversion workshop and mobile refuelling units.

Cleanergy managing director Eike Krafft says the company is extending its hydrogen plant to increase capacity and integrate ammonia production. The pilot facility will produce about 1 000 tonnes of ammonia annually, while Namibia currently imports around 8 000 tonnes a year, mainly for uranium mines. Other consumers include the fisheries, refrigeration and brewing sectors.

“Ammonia is not new to Namibia, it is being used, but it is imported, not locally manufactured, and it is not green. With this plant, we will be able to provide green ammonia to clients in Namibia. This is really, for us, a very big step,” Krafft says.

He adds that the expansion will require additional solar power and a second electrolyser with new technology. Cleanergy is also working with a research facility to test hydrogen applications.

A larger-scale shift to commercial operations is planned for 2027, but Krafft stresses the need for port infrastructure.

“It does not make sense to have huge production when you do not have the ability to evacuate. So it is imperative that we have a terminal where we can handle ammonia. This project is already being worked on in the North Port (at Walvis Bay),” he says.

Shiimi said the project demonstrates how Namibia can harness its resources to power local industries and create jobs.

“The future belongs to those who see it in the present times. What we are seeing here are technologies that will fuel and provide energy to industries. Namibia is fortunate to already have an application of these technologies, probably the first on the continent of Africa,” he said.

He urged Namibians to take pride in and prepare for opportunities in green hydrogen and ammonia.

“Instead of importing ammonia, let us produce it here, create jobs, support local industries and even sell to the rest of the world,” said Shiimi.

– Nampa

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