HyIron has achieved a major milestone in Namibia’s green industrialization efforts, announcing that its HyIron Oshivela plant successfully produced its first green hydrogen on March 12.
The breakthrough comes with the operation of the plant’s 12MW electrolyser, now the largest of its kind in Southern Africa. The electrolyser is integrated into a smart microgrid and is steadily generating green hydrogen, with plans to gradually ramp up to full capacity.
The plant features a 12MW electrolyser capable of producing 15,000 tonnes of Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) annually in its first phase.
HyIron plans to commence green iron production, initially producing five tonnes per hour. The facility will rely entirely on renewable energy, powered by a 25MW solar plant and 13.4MW of battery storage, operating exclusively during daylight hours.
“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.”
HyIron credited the Namibian government’s ambitious green hydrogen program for supporting the project, along with over 60 Namibian Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) that contributed to the facility’s construction.
“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.
HyIron also acknowledged Peric Hydrogen Systems and key partners involved in commissioning the system, as well as the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) for its ongoing support.
Construction of the facility began in April 2024, making its completion in under a year a notable achievement. HyIron emphasized its commitment to partnering with Namibian and international stakeholders to advance green hydrogen production and contribute to a “cost-neutral Green Deal” benefiting Namibia, Europe, and beyond.
