- Namibia inaugurates Africa’s first green iron plant, using solar power and hydrogen to produce zero-carbon iron.
- The HyIron Oshivela Plant starts with 15,000 tonnes/year, aiming to reach 2 million tonnes by 2030.
- Built-in under 12 months, the $31 million facility showcases Namibia’s drive for green industrialisation and job creation.
Namibia has launched Africa’s first industrial-scale green iron plant. President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah inaugurated the HyIron Oshivela Plant in the Erongo Region.
The facility produces iron using solar power and green hydrogen. This method emits zero carbon. No other plant in Africa uses this technology at this scale.
The plant will start production later this month. Operators plan to produce 15,000 tonnes of iron per year and scale output to 2 million tonnes by 2030.
During the launch, President Nandi-Ndaitwah praised the plant. She said the project reflects Namibia’s goal to build a green economy and highlighted the potential to create jobs, especially for young people.
“This project shows that Namibia has not only the raw materials and renewable energy but also the human capital and political will to support sustainable industrial growth,” she said.
Workers completed the facility in less than 12 months. Investors put in 600 million Namibian dollars, about 31 million U.S. dollars.
The plant operates off-grid. A smart microgrid manages power supply from solar generation and battery storage. A 12-megawatt electrolyser from China’s Peric Hydrogen Systems drives the process. No other electrolyser in Southern Africa matches its size.
The team designed the plant as a modular system. This setup allows quick expansion and flexible deployment. Project developers say they can grow capacity as demand increases.
Namibia plans to transform its economy through such projects. Leaders want to stop raw material exports and focus on local processing.
Government officials say local production of finished goods brings more value. They estimate it can earn up to eight times more than raw exports. This strategy could raise incomes and provide stable jobs.
Namibia continues to promote itself as a green hydrogen hub. The country offers strong solar and wind resources. It has signed several global partnerships for green hydrogen development.
Officials use projects like the Oshivela Plant to attract investors. They want to shift the economy from mining dependence to clean energy and industry.
The plant’s green iron production sets a new benchmark. Traditional iron-making burns coal and releases large amounts of carbon dioxide. Namibia’s plant uses hydrogen instead, cutting out carbon emissions entirely.
The Oshivela Plant offers a model for other African countries. It shows how clean energy can power industrial development. It also highlights the importance of strong policy support.
Namibia now leads the way in green metallurgy. Government leaders say they will continue building similar projects. They plan to expand investments in renewable energy and clean industries.
Analysts believe this move could boost Namibia’s global reputation. The project may inspire other nations to adopt green technologies.
The government says it will ensure this project creates real economic and social benefits. Officials hope it will start a new industrial era for the country.