Namibia's Green Hydrogen Revolution Inspired by China's Renewable Energy Success
Key Ideas
- Namibia aspires to be a green hydrogen powerhouse following a visit to China's green energy facilities.
- Plans are underway for a large-scale green ammonia facility near Walvis Bay to produce 500,000 tonnes per year by 2029.
- The facility aims to support Namibia's industrialization goals, global decarbonisation efforts, and provide economic benefits.
- Namibia's strategic location and renewable resources position it as an ideal exporter of green ammonia to meet global demand.
Namibia's ambitions to lead the green hydrogen revolution have been fueled by insights gained from China's successful renewable energy journey. The Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme officials, after visiting Envision Energy's facilities in China, shared their plans for Namibia's first large-scale green ammonia facility near Walvis Bay. This facility, set to produce 500,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually by 2029, aligns with Namibia's industrialization objectives and global decarbonisation targets. The initiative includes establishing net-zero industrial parks modeled after Envision's projects in China to reduce carbon emissions significantly. Namibia's coastal location, abundant renewable resources, and upcoming green ammonia facility position it to become a key global exporter of green energy. The construction phase, starting in late 2025, is expected to create local job opportunities and solidify Namibia's role in the green energy supply chain. Plans for a national action plan on maritime decarbonisation, including green ammonia bunkering and shipping corridors, further enhance Namibia's green energy strategy. Additionally, collaborations with industry leaders like Envision aim to solidify Namibia's position as a leader in Africa's green industrial transition. The €200-million ammonia storage facility by Belgium's CMB.TECH and the O&L Group will support this vision, positioning Walvis Bay as a premier port for green shipping. With a target of producing 10 to 12 million tonnes of hydrogen annually by 2050, Namibia envisions integrated hubs focusing on green hydrogen production and other sustainable technologies. This strategic approach, coupled with partnerships with industry experts, is set to drive Namibia's journey towards carbon neutrality and sustainable economic growth.