Namibia, HyIron Launch Green Hydrogen

March 23, 2025 • Estimated Reading Time: 2 minutes

Key Figures & Findings: German-backed mining technology firm HyIron has officially launched Oshivela, its flagship green hydrogen and iron facility in Namibia, producing the first-ever green hydrogen in Southern Africa using a 12MW Chinese-made electrolyzer from Peric Hydrogen Systems. With support from Namibia’s government and over 60 local SMEs, the project is the centerpiece of the country's national green hydrogen ambitions. HyIron, which specializes in decarbonized iron production, has partnered with German industrial group Benteler to offtake 200,000 tonnes of green iron annually—signaling growing international trust in Namibia's emerging green industrial economy.

Statistics & Insights: The Oshivela plant will start by producing five tonnes of direct reduced green iron per hour. During daylight hours, it will be run by a 25MW solar farm and 13.4MW of battery storage. The initial annual green iron output is estimated at 15,000 tonnes, and it has the potential to scale up.

Future Implications: If scaled successfully, the Oshivela facility could anchor Namibia’s ambition to become a green hydrogen export hub by 2027. This would align with Germany’s broader decarbonization goals and EU-Africa industrial partnerships. Its success may also trigger replication across Africa, particularly in countries with strong solar potential and industrial demand for green materials.