MANY MINDEDFirst Solar-Hydrogen Hub in Namibia Powers Remote Communities
Cbm-Tech has established Africa’s first fully integrated green hydrogen facility in Walvis Bay, Namibia. The 6.5-hectare site combines 5 MW of solar capacity with 5 MW of proton exchange membrane electrolyzers and 5.9 MWh of battery storage. It features 7,000 solar modules and partners with Namibia’s Ohlthaver & List Group for development. Hydrogen produced will power dual-fuel trucks and generators for immediate use, with rail and maritime applications planned later. The project includes a hydrogen refueling station and training center, and targets green ammonia production for shipping. Cbm-Tech aims to scale operations to 250 MW initially, then 500 MW.
This hub represents a direct pathway to clean energy for remote communities by converting solar power into storable hydrogen. Unlike traditional grid-dependent systems, it creates local energy resilience where grid access is limited. The facility’s design prioritizes immediate utility—providing power for transport and generators—while the training center builds local capacity for hydrogen infrastructure.
For SUSTENANCE and THE COMMONS, this reduces reliance on fossil fuels for energy and transport in underserved areas. Hydrogen refueling stations could lower fuel costs for community vehicles, and the training center enables local skills development. The project’s scale (250 MW target) suggests potential for replicable models across Africa.
What to watch: The project’s operational timeline is reported as August 2026 but likely contains a 2023 typo. HyIron’s Oshivela project began green hydrogen production in March 2025 using a 25 MW solar plant, challenging the claim of being Africa’s first operational facility. The source does not specify when Cbm-Tech’s hub actually began operations.
Source: pv magazine