Wedoany.com Report-Mar 21, Namibia’s green hydrogen aspirations took a major leap forward on March 12, as HyIron's Oshivela facility produced the region's first green hydrogen. This landmark achievement comes courtesy of a 12MW electrolyser manufactured by China’s Peric Hydrogen Systems—currently the largest electrolyser operational in southern Africa.

First green hydrogen produced in southern Africa with Chinese electrolyser technology

Integrated within a smart microgrid, the electrolyser is already steadily generating green hydrogen, with HyIron aiming to incrementally scale up to its full designed capacity. Initially, the Oshivela plant will utilize this hydrogen to produce Direct Reduced Iron (DRI), planning an annual output of approximately 15,000 tonnes.

According to HyIron, the Oshivela facility "marks a pivotal moment for HyIron and for Namibia’s green industrialization ambitions." The company confirmed its intention to progressively ramp up the electrolyser, emphasizing that it will soon serve as the cornerstone for producing iron without emissions.

HyIron’s Oshivela plant operates exclusively during daylight hours, relying entirely on a renewable energy infrastructure comprising a 25MW solar farm coupled with 13.4MW of battery storage. Production is planned to commence at five tonnes of green iron per hour, with potential expansions expected in the future.

“This marks a pivotal moment for HyIron and for Namibia’s green industrialization ambitions,” the company stated. “We are now in the process of gradually ramping up the electrolyser to its full capacity, which will soon form the foundation for producing iron with zero emissions.”

The success of the project has been supported by Namibia’s ambitious national green hydrogen program, alongside the significant contributions from more than 60 Namibian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs).

“We also want to express our deepest gratitude to the more than 60 Namibian SMEs whose expertise and dedication were instrumental in building this state-of-the-art facility,” the company said.

Additionally, HyIron acknowledged critical assistance from Peric Hydrogen Systems and other partners involved in commissioning, as well as ongoing support from Germany's Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK).

Remarkably, construction began in April 2024, with completion achieved in less than one year—a commendable accomplishment for a facility of this magnitude. HyIron reaffirmed its commitment to collaborating with Namibian and global stakeholders to push forward green hydrogen production, aiming for a "cost-neutral Green Deal" that benefits Namibia, Europe, and beyond.

HyIron has already secured an agreement with German metals processing company Benteler for an offtake of 200,000 tonnes per year of hydrogen-reduced iron, underscoring international confidence in Namibia’s emerging green industrial capabilities.