Namibia’s 5 MW solar hydrogen hub starts operations

Across 6.5 hectares in Walvis Bay, Namibia, around 7,000 solar modules are now feeding a hydrogen facility that has started operations. The project brings together 5 MW of off-grid solar, a 5 MW proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer and 5.9 MWh of battery energy storage—a complete production and refueling site rather than a standalone power plant.

CMB.TECH developed the facility with Namibia’s Ohlthaver & List Group. Siemens supplied the integrated electrical, automation and safety systems. The site also has a hydrogen refueling station and a training center, giving the project a practical base for both equipment use and workforce preparation. The developers describe it as Africa’s first fully integrated green hydrogen facility.

The first users are expected to be dual-fuel trucks and generators. Railway and maritime applications are planned, and CMB.TECH, the initial offtaker, plans to test a hydrogen-powered freight locomotive. The company also says future production of green ammonia could serve maritime applications.

And so what, concretely? The site combines hydrogen production, storage and refueling, with hydrogen intended for dual-fuel trucks and generators. Railway and maritime applications are planned, and CMB.TECH plans to test a hydrogen-powered freight locomotive.

The scale-up remains ahead: CMB.TECH plans to expand the project first to 250 MW and later to 500 MW. Namibia’s emerging sector already includes HyIron’s Oshivela project, which began producing green hydrogen in March 2025 using a 12 MW electrolyzer powered by a 25 MW solar plant. The Walvis Bay facility is operating, but its larger capacities and additional transport uses remain plans and tests.