Cleanergy construction begins
Cleanergy Solutions Namibia, a joint venture between the Ohlthaver & List (O&L) Group and CMB.TECH, on Thursday began the bricklaying of Africa’s first public green hydrogen refuelling station.The hydrogen production plant established in Walvis Bay uses solar energy for hydrogen production onsite. This innovative facility will supply hydrogen to trucks, port equipment, and railway applications.
As an integral part of this project, a Hydrogen Academy will be established to educate and train individuals on hydrogen technology and its wide-ranging applications. The hydrogen refuelling station is expected to be fully operational by mid-2024.
The Cleanergy project includes a 10ha solar park with a hydrogen production facility equipped with a 5-megawatt Proton Exchange Membrane electrolyser and a 5-megawatt hour battery. This plant directly uses solar energy to produce hydrogen, which is then made available at the public hydrogen refuelling station for trucks and heavy-duty applications.
The electrolyser will produce green hydrogen utilising the electricity input from the solar park and the energy stored in the BESS (Battery Energy Storage System). A hybrid control system will efficiently manage the electricity flow to ensure stable green hydrogen production and a reliable and stable mini-grid.
This set-up is unique worldwide and will equip Cleanergy with the necessary knowledge for its future developments.
The site is developed as a highly adaptable project that can seamlessly incorporate additional activities and technologies. This inclusive approach aligns with and supports Cleanergy’s goal to empower Namibians through upskilling initiatives.
Partnership
Since 2021, O&L and CMB.TECH have been working together to leverage their unique expertise. Both companies have a history of more than 100 years of being entrepreneurial and innovative. The highlight of the joint efforts is the realization of Cleanergy’s first project, the hydrogen production and refuelling station.
O&L, a solar pioneer, brings its extensive knowledge and regional presence, while CMB.TECH contributes with its advanced hydrogen expertise and hydrogen-powered applications. This collaboration between two solid family-owned companies stems from a shared vision to deliver a remarkable and impactful project in Namibia.
“Cleanergy Solutions Namibia embodies our collective vision of pioneering change,” Sven Thieme, the Executive Chairman of O&L, said. “This partnership with the CMB Group is more than a business alliance – it is a convergence of shared values and purpose, and together, O&L and CMB.TECH are crafting a narrative of meaningful impact, one where sustainability, innovation, and collaboration intersect harmoniously.”
Speaking at the same event, CEO of CMB.TECH, Alexander Saverys said that Cleanergy is an important investment for the CMB Group. “It is the first major hydrogen production project in Africa and will prove that green hydrogen can be produced efficiently and cheaply with renewable African sun. Our cleantech division develops maritime and heavy industrial applications that will run on hydrogen: ferries, tugboats, container vessels, but also trucks, locomotives and mining equipment. We are proud and grateful that we can develop this project in Namibia with a strong Namibian partner to create a true win-win for both our companies and the people of Namibia.”