A 5 MW green hydrogen plant has started operating at Namibia’s Walvis Bay port, taking a practical step toward cleaner energy use in Africa. Plug Power developed the project with Cleanergy Solutions Namibia. It stands among the first fully integrated commercial green hydrogen facilities in Africa and runs entirely on renewable energy, according to Hydrogen Fuel News.
The project sits within Namibia’s main export port and produces hydrogen directly on-site using electricity from nearby solar and wind installations. Port operators use the hydrogen to power yard trucks, cargo cranes, and small service vessels. This shift cuts fuel consumption and lowers emissions from everyday port activities. Many see the project as a real-world example for other African ports aiming to reduce their environmental impact.
At the core of the facility is a 5 MW system that uses renewable power to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. At full output, the plant produces about two tonnes of green hydrogen each day. This volume can support more than 40 heavy-duty port vehicles during daily operations. The system releases excess oxygen safely or stores it for use in other industries.
The process requires roughly nine liters of water to produce one kilogram of hydrogen and fits within a space comparable to a small warehouse. Engineers designed the plant so operators can replace components without major construction. Project leaders say the facility is built for long-term operation, with future expansion expected to reduce costs by increasing capacity and sharing infrastructure.
For Plug Power, the Walvis Bay facility marks its first commercial green hydrogen operation in Sub-Saharan Africa. The company already runs similar projects in Europe and the United States and views Africa’s strong solar and wind resources as a clear opportunity. Company representatives say the project demonstrates that regions with dependable renewable energy and supportive policies can produce green hydrogen at scale. Plug Power has also noted that planned African projects could exceed 1 GW in total capacity, with interest from mining firms and public sector institutions.
Walvis Bay is home to about 65,000 people and plays a major role in Namibia’s export economy, handling commodities such as uranium and fish. The region’s abundant sunshine and strong coastal winds make it well suited for renewable energy development. Beyond environmental gains, the hydrogen plant created about 150 direct jobs during construction and commissioning, along with roughly 200 indirect jobs in related sectors. Cleanergy Solutions Namibia is partnering with local training centers to build skills in hydrogen operations and maintenance.
The project partners are also considering exporting excess hydrogen to international markets, potentially as ammonia for fertilizer production and marine fuels. These plans could support local businesses, attract foreign investment, and strengthen Namibia’s position as a regional center for green hydrogen.
source:bioenergytimes.com
African Energy Council