Namibia’s Green Hydrogen Commissioner, James Mnyupe, and European Union Energy Commissioner Kadri Simson toured several pivotal green hydrogen project sites in the Erongo Region, signalling the deepening ties between Namibia and the EU in their shared vision of a sustainable, green energy future.
The visit included stops at key green hydrogen projects spearheaded by Cleanergy Solutions, HyIron,
HDF Energy and Namport are all integral to Namibia’s rise as a green hydrogen powerhouse.
This visit follows the announcement of four new Team Europe initiatives at the summit, valued at EUR 36.9 million (NAD 730 million).
These initiatives reinforce the EU’s commitment to accelerating Namibia’s green hydrogen agenda, with a EUR 25 million grant earmarked to develop the entire hydrogen value chain—from production to transport and local industries—while focusing on job creation and sustainability.
Commissioner Simson reiterated the EU’s long-term support for Namibia’s ambitions: “Namibia has vast wind and solar resources, the right policies, and visionary leaders. The EU is committed to fostering Namibia’s leadership in the global green hydrogen economy.”
Among the visit’s highlights was a tour of HyIron’s pilot project, which aims to decarbonise the steel industry by using green hydrogen to produce direct reduced iron (DRI) from local iron ore. The project includes the construction of a 25-hectare, 25-megawatt solar plant and plans for 13 megawatts of electrolyzers, crucial for the DRI process.
This innovative project addresses the global steel industry’s carbon footprint, which accounts for almost 9% of worldwide emissions.
The delegation also visited Cleanergy Solutions Namibia, which is developing a green hydrogen production hub, including a refuelling station and a training centre.
This project cements Namibia’s strategic position in the growing green hydrogen market, enabling the nation to not only produce hydrogen but to build a skilled workforce for this emerging industry.
A stop at HDF Energy Namibia highlighted the company’s significant N$4.5 billion investment in the Renewstable Swakopmund (RSWK) project, which integrates hydrogen production, storage, and distribution to generate clean, consistent energy for Namibia.
Off-take agreements with Namibia’s national power utility are underway, setting the stage for increased clean energy supply.
The visit concluded at Namport, where preparations are progressing for the construction of an ammonia bulk terminal. Set to begin in early 2025, this terminal will play a vital role in establishing Namibia as a global hub for clean energy exports.
Green Hydrogen Commissioner James Mnyupe emphasized the nation’s commitment to a low-carbon future: “Namibia is transforming its role as a logistics hub, adapting it to meet the demands of a decarbonized world, and creating a green logistics hub for the future.”
These ongoing efforts highlight the strong partnership between Namibia and the European Union, a relationship formalised in 2022 through the Strategic Partnership on Green Hydrogen and Critical Raw Materials.
Together, Namibia and the EU are building a sustainable, decarbonized future, positioning Namibia as a global leader in green hydrogen innovation.
