Namibia's HyIron Plant: Green Hydrogen Production for Zero-Emission Iron Manufacturing
Key Ideas
  • HyIron's Oshivela plant in Namibia has successfully produced hydrogen using a 12MW electrolyser unit provided by China's Peric Hydrogen Systems.
  • The plant, powered entirely by solar energy, is gearing up to produce green hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (DRI), starting with 15,000 tonnes per year and aiming for two million tonnes annually by 2030.
  • German company Benteler has committed to a 200,000-tonne-per-year offtake deal for the green product, demonstrating strong market demand.
  • Producing green iron in Namibia with abundant renewables and raw materials can significantly reduce shipping needs and costs compared to European production, according to SteelWatch.
HyIron's Oshivela plant in Namibia has achieved a significant milestone by generating hydrogen through a 12MW electrolyser unit from China's Peric Hydrogen Systems. This plant, operating solely on solar power, is poised to manufacture green hydrogen-based direct reduced iron (DRI), beginning with an output of 15,000 tonnes annually. The company's ambitious target is to scale up to two million tonnes per year by 2030. By gradually increasing the electrolyser's capacity, HyIron aims to lay the foundation for zero-emission iron production. Partnering with Benteler, a German metals firm, for a substantial offtake agreement further underscores the strong demand for environmentally friendly iron products. SteelWatch suggests that importing green sponge iron from renewable-rich countries like Namibia can drastically reduce shipping requirements by up to 75% compared to European production. This strategy not only enhances logistics efficiency but also potentially cuts costs by 30% per tonne. The move towards green technology in iron production aligns with global sustainability goals and signifies a positive shift towards decarbonisation in the steel industry. Overall, the HyIron plant's innovative approach exemplifies a sustainable model for green hydrogen production and its applications in the manufacturing sector.
ADVANCEH2

Our vision is to be the world's leading online platform for advancing the use of hydrogen as a critical piece needed to deliver net-zero initiatives and the promise of a clean H2 energy future.

© 2025 AdvanceH2, LLC. All rights reserved.