Plug Power installs a 5MW electrolyzer in Namibia, launching Africa’s first fully integrated green hydrogen facility supporting transport decarbonization.
Plug Power Inc. has announced the successful installation of a 5MW GenEco proton exchange membrane (PEM) electrolyzer for Cleanergy Solutions Namibia, marking a major milestone in Africa’s transition toward renewable hydrogen. The project, located in Walvis Bay, underpins what is being described as the continent’s first fully integrated, commercial-scale green hydrogen facility, signaling a shift from pilot concepts to real-world deployment.
The Walvis Bay hydrogen plant, which officially commenced operations in September, represents a landmark achievement for Namibia’s clean energy ambitions. By integrating renewable power generation, hydrogen production, energy storage, and refueling infrastructure into a single off-grid system, the facility establishes a blueprint for sustainable hydrogen development across the region. The project is expected to play a pivotal role in expanding hydrogen-based mobility solutions not only within Namibia but also across neighboring southern African markets.
At the heart of the development is Plug Power’s GenEco electrolyzer, installed at Cleanergy Solutions Namibia’s Hydrogen Dune site. The electrolyzer is directly powered by a dedicated 5MW solar photovoltaic park covering more than 6.5 hectares, alongside a 5.9 MWh battery energy storage system. This configuration enables the production of renewable hydrogen without reliance on grid electricity, ensuring that the hydrogen generated is entirely green and aligned with global decarbonization goals.
The hydrogen produced at the facility will be used to support a wide range of transportation and industrial applications. These include hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks, port handling equipment, rail operations, and small maritime vessels operating through the Port of Walvis Bay. In addition, the project will supply hydrogen for vehicles that are being converted locally to operate on a dual-fuel system, combining hydrogen with conventional fuels to reduce emissions while maintaining operational flexibility.
By combining renewable electricity generation with advanced electrolyzer technology and downstream hydrogen refueling infrastructure, the Cleanergy Solutions Namibia project creates a vertically integrated value chain. This approach effectively connects clean electricity to clean hydrogen molecules, supporting decarbonization across transport, logistics, and maritime sectors. It also strengthens Namibia’s positioning as a potential regional hub for hydrogen production, with long-term opportunities in industrial use and future exports.
Commenting on the project, Jose Luis Crespo, President and Chief Revenue Officer of Plug Power, said initiatives like this demonstrate how green hydrogen is rapidly progressing from theoretical potential to commercial reality. He noted that deploying electrolyzer technology in emerging hydrogen markets such as Namibia enables partners to establish scalable and dependable infrastructure that can reduce emissions today while fostering long-term economic growth.
The project also reflects broader global momentum behind hydrogen investment. Regions including Africa, the Middle East, and Australia are increasingly being recognized as next-generation hydrogen hubs, driven by abundant renewable resources and supportive policy environments. In this context, the Cleanergy Solutions Namibia facility is expected to serve as a replicable model for future hydrogen developments across Africa, reinforcing Namibia’s ambition to become a leader in renewable hydrogen production with strong regional and international relevance.
