Namibia has taken a notable step toward cleaner energy after a 5-megawatt green hydrogen plant began operations at Walvis Bay port in December 2025.
The facility, developed by Plug Power in partnership with Cleanergy Solutions Namibia, is among the first fully integrated commercial green hydrogen projects in Africa. It runs entirely on renewable energy, drawing power from nearby solar and wind installations.
Built at Namibia’s busiest port, the plant produces hydrogen on site and supplies it directly to port operations. The fuel is already being used to power yard trucks, cargo-handling equipment, cranes and small service vessels, reducing dependence on diesel and cutting emissions linked to daily port activity.
The 5 MW system uses renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. At full capacity, it produces about two tonnes of green hydrogen a day, enough to keep more than 40 heavy-duty port vehicles operating throughout the day.
Around nine litres of water are needed to produce one kilogram of hydrogen. The oxygen created during the process is either safely released or stored for use in other industrial applications.
The plant occupies roughly the space of a small warehouse and has been designed for long-term use. Components can be replaced or upgraded without major construction work, making future expansion easier as demand grows.
A milestone for Africa’s energy transition
For Plug Power, the Walvis Bay project marks its first commercial green hydrogen operation in Sub-Saharan Africa. The company already operates similar projects in Europe and the United States and sees Africa’s strong solar and wind resources as a major opportunity for future growth.
Company officials say the project shows that green hydrogen production is viable in African markets where renewable energy is reliable and government support is in place. Plug Power has indicated that planned projects across the continent could exceed one gigawatt in total capacity, with interest coming from mining companies and public institutions.
Walvis Bay, home to about 65,000 people, plays a central role in Namibia’s export economy, handling commodities such as uranium and fish. The region’s consistent sunshine and strong coastal winds make it well suited to renewable energy investment.
The hydrogen project created about 150 direct jobs during construction and commissioning, as well as an estimated 200 indirect jobs across supply chains and support services. Cleanergy Solutions Namibia is also working with local training centres to develop skills in hydrogen system operation and maintenance, helping build a local workforce for the emerging sector.
Project partners are exploring the possibility of exporting surplus hydrogen, potentially in the form of ammonia for use in fertilisers and marine fuels. Such exports could attract foreign investment, support local industries and strengthen Namibia’s position as a regional green hydrogen hub.
Plans are already under way for a second phase that would double the plant’s capacity to 10 MW and add ammonia production facilities. The partners are also studying the introduction of hydrogen-powered vessels at the port, which could further reduce emissions from maritime transport.
Industry observers say the Walvis Bay project offers a practical example for other African ports seeking to cut emissions from shipping, logistics and heavy industry, while creating new clean-energy industries aligned with global climate goals.
