Chinese Electrolyser Powers Breakthrough in Regional Green Manufacturing
Namibia achieved a significant milestone in sustainable energy on March 12 as HyIron’s Oshivela plant successfully produced southern Africa’s first green hydrogen using a 12MW electrolyser from China’s Peric Hydrogen Systems.
This breakthrough represents the largest operational electrolyser in southern Africa and marks a critical advancement in the region’s green industrialization strategy.
Key Developments at the Oshivela Plant
The Oshivela facility integrates the electrolyser within a smart microgrid powered exclusively by renewable energy:
- Solar Capacity: 25MW solar farm
- Energy Storage: 13.4MW battery system
- Initial Production: 5 tonnes of green iron per hour
- Annual Target: 15,000 tonnes of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI)
Operating only during daylight hours, the plant relies entirely on its renewable infrastructure to produce emission-free iron, with plans to gradually scale up to full capacity.
Timeline and Implementation
The Oshivela project demonstrates remarkable efficiency in development:
- Construction began: April 2024
- Completion time: Less than one year
- Current status: Green hydrogen production underway with progressive scaling
Local and International Collaboration
The project’s success stems from widespread cooperation:
- Over 60 Namibian SMEs contributed expertise to the facility’s construction
- Technical support from Peric Hydrogen Systems for commissioning
- Backing from Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK)
- Offtake agreement with German metals processor Benteler for 200,000 tonnes of hydrogen-reduced iron annually
Strategic Significance
HyIron describes the development as “a pivotal moment for HyIron and for Namibia’s green industrialization ambitions.” The company aims to establish a “cost-neutral Green Deal” benefiting Namibia, Europe, and global partners.
This achievement aligns with Namibia’s national green hydrogen program and positions the country as an emerging leader in sustainable manufacturing, particularly in green steel production technology.
The successful implementation of Chinese electrolyser technology in this African-European partnership demonstrates the international collaboration essential for advancing global green industrial capabilities.
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