The Hydrogen Dune Namibia’s bold step towards a low-carbon future

Imagine this scene: the vast, isolated expanse of the Namib Desert, bordered by a 6.5-hectare field of solar panels, their broad surfaces tilting to capture every ray of generous sunlight as the relentless coastal wind thrashes against the arid landscape. In the distance, endless undulating dunes frame the searing skyline.

We are at Cleanergy Solutions Namibia, a pioneering newcomer with bold ambitions to lead green hydrogen development in Namibia’s Erongo Region. Beyond the 5MWp solar park, the plant features an off-grid hydrogen production facility, a refuelling station, and the Hydrogen Academy. A joint venture between the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group and CMB. TECH, the project marked its inaugural bricklaying ceremony in November 2024. As Namibia’s energy industry undergoes seismic shifts driven by new discoveries and oil drilling in recent years, green hydrogen has emerged as another promising option.

But can it truly deliver and set the standard for a completely decarbonised energy sector? While still relatively new and not yet commercialised, it might just play a very small role in Namibia’s energy future.

To find out more, I’m here at the invitation of the Namibian Chamber of Environment (NCE), an umbrella association that unites organisations across the environmental sector. The NCE provides a platform for members to exchange ideas, speak with a unified voice, collaborate with government and partners, raise funds and advocate for the sector’s interests. No stranger to change, whether good or bad, the NCE is fully aware that growth of this scale holds potential to be a double-edged sword.

Located outside of Walvis Bay, Cleanergy Solutions’ Hydrogen Dune facility operates entirely on solar energy to produce green hydrogen, which will be used for hydrogen-powered trucks, port equipment, railway applications and small ships. This development hopes to address critical infrastructure needs in Namibia while strengthening the connection between green energy and maritime activities, underscoring the strategic role of the port of Walvis Bay.

We chose Namibia because it is a stable country with excellent solar potential, supportive policies and accessible infrastructure.

Besides the expansive solar park, hydrogen production plant and refuelling station, the property also features a workshop where the first fleet of trucks will be converted to dual-fuel technology powered by locally produced hydrogen. It aims to be the first facility of its kind in Africa where hydrogen is produced directly from a solar park and dispensed at a public refuelling station. Despite its remote setting, the refuelling station appears sleek and aptly futuristic. The bus is currently used to transport Cleanergy colleagues and engineers on the plant’s premises, although the government has yet to approve the vehicle for use on public roads.

At the core of this initiative will be the Hydrogen Academy, dedicated to skills and knowledge transfer in hydrogen production and utilisation. Through collaboration between Cleanergy Solutions, suppliers, customers and Namibian and European universities and institutes (particularly in Belgium), the academy aims to build local expertise and prepare a skilled workforce for the emerging hydrogen economy. This reflects Cleanergy Solutions’ commitment to decarbonisation while unlocking significant economic and environmental opportunities for Namibia.

“It all began with one question: How are we going to decarbonise our shipping sector? That question sparked the project and continues to drive our motivation,” says Project Manager Sathish Ravi. “We chose Namibia because it is a stable country with excellent solar potential, supportive policies and accessible infrastructure. Walvis Bay’s port is strategically located, serving as a key bunker hub for ships,” he adds.

Even as these audacious aspirations represent a major step forward in Namibia’s renewable energy, at what cost will Cleanergy Solutions produce carbon-neutral, hydrogenpowered vessels?

In the midst of rapid development, preserving the landscape and mitigating long-term impacts are essential. To this end, Cleanergy Solutions conducted proactive studies on nearby ecosystems and biodiversity, with a particular focus on birdlife, before construction even began. Yet, as Ravi acknowledges, some environmental damage is “inevitable” – a reality shared by many large-scale energy projects.

However, NCE CEO Dr Chris Brown remains optimistic: “With Cleanergy Solutions focusing primarily on the country’s shipping sector, this small niche could, in the long run, prove to be more sustainable and efficient.”

Both parties emphasise the importance of ongoing dialogue between environmentalists and project developers. From an environmental perspective, there is a need to tread lightly and practise careful stewardship. The transition to a low-carbon future will take time before Namibia can fully “split waters into clean energy” and pioneer a nation fuelled entirely by the sun. A future where the precious environment and expanding industries coexist in balance.

Madeleen Duvenhage