Green hydrogen production has started in Namibia, thanks to German cash. The country sees huge opportunities in this new industry. Near Arandis town, 44,000 solar panels catch almost nonstop sunshine, making hydrogen. This plant makes green iron without CO2—the first industrial-size operation worldwide. Late President Geingob wanted hydrogen to help fight 37% unemployment through new jobs.
The Hyphen project should produce a million tons of green ammonia annually by 2028. But nature groups worry about damage to the national park's ecosystem. HyIron already produces 15,000 tons of clean iron each year using 25 megawatts of solar power. It splits water into hydrogen and oxygen, using hydrogen to turn South African ore into pig iron. Company boss Johannes Michels claims they prove climate solutions can be affordable.
Germany supports these projects because it needs carbon-free steel. German official Rainer Baake says iron-making creates massive emissions back home. German funding totals about N$768 million across several hydrogen ventures. Namibia hopes for foreign money, tax income, plus 1,600 jobs if HyIron reaches full size. Hydrogen Commissioner James Mnyupe wants products used inside Namibia rather than just exported.
The Hyphen project should produce a million tons of green ammonia annually by 2028. But nature groups worry about damage to the national park's ecosystem. HyIron already produces 15,000 tons of clean iron each year using 25 megawatts of solar power. It splits water into hydrogen and oxygen, using hydrogen to turn South African ore into pig iron. Company boss Johannes Michels claims they prove climate solutions can be affordable.
Germany supports these projects because it needs carbon-free steel. German official Rainer Baake says iron-making creates massive emissions back home. German funding totals about N$768 million across several hydrogen ventures. Namibia hopes for foreign money, tax income, plus 1,600 jobs if HyIron reaches full size. Hydrogen Commissioner James Mnyupe wants products used inside Namibia rather than just exported.
