A green hydrogen plant with a capacity of 5 MW began operations at Namibia’s Walvis Bay port in December 2025, marking an important step toward cleaner energy use in Africa. The project, developed by Plug Power together with Cleanergy Solutions Namibia, is one of the first fully integrated commercial green hydrogen facilities on the continent and operates entirely using renewable energy, reports Hydrogen Fuel News.
The facility has been set up at Namibia’s main export port and produces hydrogen on site using power generated from nearby solar and wind sources. The hydrogen is used to run port equipment, including yard trucks, cargo cranes and small service vessels, helping cut fuel use and reduce emissions from daily port operations. The project is being seen as a working example for other African ports looking to move toward cleaner energy.
At the centre of the plant is a 5 MW system that uses renewable electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. When operating at full capacity, it produces around two tonnes of green hydrogen per day, enough to keep more than 40 heavy-duty port vehicles running throughout the day. The oxygen produced in the process is either safely released or stored for use in other industries.
The system uses about nine litres of water to produce one kilogram of hydrogen and occupies space similar to a small warehouse. Its design allows parts to be replaced without major construction work. Company officials said the plant is built for long-term use, with future expansion expected to help lower costs through increased capacity and shared facilities.
For Plug Power, the Walvis Bay project marks its entry into the commercial green hydrogen market in Sub-Saharan Africa. The company already operates hydrogen projects in Europe and the United States and considers Africa’s strong solar and wind resources a major opportunity for future growth. Company officials said the project shows that green hydrogen production is possible in regions with reliable renewable energy and supportive government policies. Plug Power has indicated that planned projects across Africa could exceed 1 GW in total capacity, with interest coming from mining companies and government bodies.
Walvis Bay, with a population of about 65,000, is a key part of Namibia’s export economy, handling products such as uranium and fish. The area’s sunny weather and strong coastal winds make it suitable for renewable energy projects. In addition to environmental benefits, the hydrogen plant created around 150 direct jobs during construction and start-up, along with about 200 indirect jobs in related fields. Cleanergy Solutions Namibia is also working with local training centres to develop skills in hydrogen system operation and maintenance.
Project partners are exploring the option of exporting surplus hydrogen to overseas markets, possibly in the form of ammonia for use in fertilisers and marine fuels. Such plans could support local industries, attract foreign investment and help position Namibia as a regional hub for green hydrogen.
Industry observers say the Walvis Bay project highlights the growing role of green hydrogen in reducing emissions from sectors such as ports, shipping and heavy industry. With similar projects emerging in other parts of Africa and Europe, the facility is increasingly being viewed as a model for clean energy development in emerging economies.
Plug Power and Cleanergy Solutions Namibia are now planning a second phase that would double the plant’s capacity to 10 MW and add facilities for ammonia production. The partners are also studying the possibility of hydrogen-powered vessels operating at the port, a move that could further reduce emissions from maritime transport and strengthen Namibia’s position in the global shift toward clean energy.
