TransNamib has postponed plans to launch the HyRail project to April 2025.
The €7.6 million HyRail project involved introducing dual-fuel-powered locomotives.
TransNamib is working with Hyphen Technical, CMB.TECH, Unam, and Traxtion on the project.
The project, announced in October 2022, was expected to take 18 months to complete.
It involved the conversion of two locomotives to use hydrogen in internal combustion engines and a hydrogen fuel storage car to store fuel for the locomotives.
The prototypes are supposed to be built and adapted at the Traxtion Rail Hub in Rosslyn, South Africa, then moved to Walvis Bay.
Traxtion was also supposed to maintain the locomotives in Namibia by providing training for TransNamib technical staff.
TransNamib would have been the first state-owned railway in Africa to operate hydrogen-powered locomotives.
The plan is to convert the entire TransNamib locomotive fleet in the long run.
Cleanergy Namibia’s green hydrogen facility near Walvis Bay would produce the hydrogen dual-fuel locomotive.
Part of the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research’s €30 million grant is supposed to fund the project.
The HyRail is one of Namibia’s four pilot projects announced in October 2022.
In a statement dated September 11, 2024, TransNamib said this decision enables the organisation to channel its resources and efforts into achieving its critical objectives, essential to serving its primary stakeholder—the Namibian nation.
“By April next year, we expect to have a GH2-powered locomotive on track, demonstrating our dedication to advancing Namibia’s green industrialisation agenda,” the statement said.
The rail operator said executing these goals is crucial for its growth and service enhancements.
“As part of this strategic realignment, TransNamib remains committed to Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Strategy and the preparation of its operations for the future hydrogen economy,” the company said.
TransNamib says it will thoroughly prepare before considering locomotive conversions to ensure a well-rounded approach to decarbonising its rail operations.
According to the statement, TransNamib reassessed its development plans to focus on its core objectives, including the procurement of N$2.6 billion in new rolling stock and the goal of more than doubling its annual freight volume over the next five years.
The loan from the Development Bank of Namibia (DBN) and the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA) was granted in July 2024.
The loan is for addressing the locomotive capacity challenges effectively and initiating the process to enhance its locomotive fleet.
TransNamib CEO Desmond van Jaarsveld said the loan conditions stipulate that the funds must be strictly used to increase our capacity.
Van Jaarsveld said the loan will improve capacity and address safety concerns related to aged equipment.
He said the procurement of the new locomotives will commence soon, with an anticipated lead time of 24 months.
According to Van Jaarsveld, the loan will be used to remanufacture, acquire new rolling stock, modernise the workshop, and upgrade signalling equipment, including spares and associated equipment.
“With access to this loan facility, we can effect real change. We have spent the past five years securing the loan and meeting the necessary conditions to access this funding.
“Now, we can finally implement our strategy to transform the company. This major investment in rail infrastructure underscores rail’s critical role in the Namibian economy. TransNamib is committed to contributing significantly to the nation’s economic growth,” Van Jaarsveld said.
In addition, TransNamib plans to procure new rolling stock and equipment and construct a new railway line to replace the old railway line between Kranzberg and Otjiwarongo at the end of this year.
Additionally, a new signalling system is planned for the network to increase safety and line capacity, with a primary focus on the busy routes leading to the ports of Namibia.
The Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P) commended TransNamib for its focus and commitment to Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Strategy.
The NGH2P said it is looking forward to working closely with TransNamib and other key partners to accelerate the deployment of a dual-fuel locomotive shortly.
“This initiative will integrate hydrogen power into Namibia’s rail infrastructure. This collaboration is vital to Namibia’s green industrialisation ambitions, and we are excited to announce that more updates will follow in the coming months,” NGH2P said.
NGH2P added that this collaborative effort is crucial for ensuring the successful deployment of hydrogen technologies, reducing emissions, and enhancing Namibia’s transportation infrastructure.
“We believe this strategic realignment will enable TranNamib to fulfil its mission better and support Namibia’s broader environmental goals.
“By focusing on immediate priorities, the organisation can drive meaningful progress and set the stage for future advancements in sustainable rail transport,” NGH2P said.
