Staff Reporter
THE Ohlthaver & List Group (O&L) and CMB.Tech, through their joint venture Cleanergy Namibia, launched the country’s first green hydrogen plant on Tuesday, an investment worth about N$270 million.
“We are delighted to announce our joint venture with O&L today and the launch of a very innovative project in Namibia,” Alexander Saverys, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Belgium-based company, CMB.Tech, said.
The plant, which is a demonstration hub for hydrogen applications, will be constructed this year in the Erongo region.
If all goes according to plan, the plant should be operational by 2023.
Depending on the results, a larger production plant will be constructed, possibly using ammonia as transport fuel.
The objective of the project is to produce green hydrogen from solar power and to distribute clean fuel to heavy duty applications, such as trucks, locomotives, mining equipment and ships.
“The world is in a race to limit global warming and reach net-zero emissions by 2050, in accordance with the United Nations’ global roadmap, and one of the key shifts required to ensure a sustainable future includes the transition to clean energy solutions. While the move away from fossil fuels may take several paths, green hydrogen is one that shows tremendous potential in getting us there,” Sven Thieme, the Executive Chairman of the O&L Group, said.
Cleanergy Namibia intends to develop more green hydrogen projects in the future, using the knowledge and expertise acquired during the construction of the demonstration hydrogen plant. These projects include developing a larger hydrogen and ammonia factory in the country.
According to Thieme, the plant could prove to be the first step in creating an entirely new industry in the country.
Furthermore, the project will create employment, drive further research and develop opportunities in the transportation, mining, heavy machinery and power generation sector.
“Many supportive hands have made this endeavour possible. I would like to acknowledge and appreciate the endorser of this project, the Namibian Government through His Excellency Dr. Hage Geingob who has demonstrated a keen interest and taken the lead in promoting this field in our country,” Thieme said.
