Green energy: A high- level EU delegation inaugurates Cleanergy Solutions Namibia with President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah

Today in Namibia the first large-scale solar-powered green hydrogen facility, Cleanergy Solutions Namibia, was launched in presence of Her Excellency Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah, President of the Republic of Namibia; Mr Jozef Síkela, European Commissioner for International Partnerships; and Mr Barry Andrews the Chair of the European Parliament's Committee on Development (DEVE) together with other Members of the DEVE committee, and other high level government and private sector representatives.

President Nandi-Ndaitwah said: "Cleanergy Solutions Namibia demonstrates how investment in green hydrogen can create jobs, build skills and empower our people while positioning Namibia as a global leader in sustainable energy. With the support of the European Union and our partners, Namibia is showing that Africa can be at the forefront of the green industrial revolution."

European Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Síkela added: "I am thrilled to see coming into action innovative projects built by European projects like the Cleanergy. This project is the beginning of green hydrogen and ammonia production in Namibia, it will help position Namibia as a leader in green hydrogen, strengthen trade and innovation links with Europe. We realise the potential of the green hydrogen industry for the economic future of Namibia and under Global Gateway we are doing our best to tackle it with our 360-degree approach - supporting education, training, regulatory framework - to create new jobs and boost local businesses."

Chair Andrew Barry said for the European Parliament: "What we have seen today is a prime example of the kind of courageous and innovative investments that can make a real difference, by addressing the climate crisis, promoting human development and transforming production and consumption patterns both in Namibia and in Europe. Today's inauguration will hopefully send a strong and united signal of a positive nature: More sustainable and mutually beneficial value chains can be developed, in full respect of international commitments and shared values. And if the right conditions are in place, public and private investments can be married in such a way that all communities and layers of society can benefit."

Alexander Saverys, CEO of CMB.TECH, commented: "Today marks a proud moment for all of us. This facility is the result of true international collaboration- combining Namibian ambition and European innovation. It's a model for sustainable energy and a symbol of strong African European ties."

Sven Thieme, Executive Chairman of the O&L Group, added: "This is a platform for value creation and sustainability. We are building resilient, clean energy systems that empower our people and our economy."

The project is a joint venture between the Belgian clean energy company CMB.Tech and Namibia's Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group. Germany has provided grant funding via its Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) to this phase of the project, as well as two associated tugboat and locomotive projects. Together with Member States and through the EU's Global Gateway agenda, the European Union has mobilised € 1.3 billion (NAD 25 billion) in loans and grants, spurring over € 20 billion (NAD 400 billion) in potential private investments in Namibia's green industrialisation.

Cleanenergy Solutions will produce ammonia for maritime shipping and developing a green hydrogen refuelling station at Walvis Bay. It will provide green hydrogen for trucks, port equipment, railway applications and small ships. It marks a first step in establishing Namibia as a key hub in global green maritime corridors.

Looking ahead, Cleanergy Solutions Namibia will expand to include an ammonia jetty and storage facility, before scaling up hydrogen and ammonia production for export to South Africa and the EU , an investment estimated at €3 billion.

A key feature of the project is Namibia's first Hydrogen Academy, established on site to transfer knowledge and expertise. In partnership with European and Namibian universities and training institutes, the Academy will upskill local engineers, technicians, and operators, ensuring that the hydrogen economy creates lasting employment and industrial capacity in Namibia.

Background

The EU and Namibia are committed partners, celebrating this year the 35th anniversary of bilateral relations. Team Europe is Namibia's biggest trade and development partner, with a positive trade surplus for Namibia supporting local and regional value chains.

Global Gateway is the EU's contribution of €300 billion to narrowing the global investment gap worldwide. It is in line with the commitment of the G7 leaders from June 2021 to launch a values-driven, high-standard and transparent infrastructure partnership to meet global infrastructure development needs. Global Gateway is also fully aligned with the UN's Agenda 2030 and its Sustainable Development Goals, as well as the Paris Agreement.