SWAKOPMUND – Operations at the Daures Green Hydrogen Village in the Daures constituency are set to commence in September this year. In his state of the region address on Thursday, Erongo governor Neville Andre reported that construction activities at the village are progressing on schedule, with several key milestones achieved.

He said all components have been erected at the village, including a 0.88 MW solar array with battery energy storage.

“The project’s pilot phase aims to produce 18 tonnes of hydrogen and 100 tonnes of green ammonia annually, with operations starting in September 2024. This facility is more than just a production site. It includes a campsite, an eco-lodge and a one-hectare greenhouse, which will begin horticultural production by the end of August,” he remarked.

The Daures project also emphasises local development, which includes training. 

A laboratory facility has been constructed on-site, allowing vocational students hands-on experience.

The initiative further includes 10% community shareholding, and has already created over 201 jobs so far, with 77% of those employed being youth.

Another major initiative is the Cleanergy Solutions Namibia project in Walvis Bay, whose role in the country’s hydrogen economy was commended by the governor, highlighting its solar park and hydrogen production facility.

This first-of-its-kind plant in Africa will directly harness solar energy to produce hydrogen, which is then made available at a public refuelling station.

The governor said Cleanergy Solutions Namibia is at the forefront of sustainable energy solutions, and emphasised the importance of the Hydrogen Academy, which will train future professionals in hydrogen technology.

He further emphasised the government’s commitment to green energy, as evident in projects focused on green hydrogen, solar and wind power-generation.

-Nampa