The recently completed 54MW Anixas II Power Plant in Walvis Bay could be modified to run on green hydrogen as Namibia intensifies its shift towards renewable energy, Minister of Mines and Energy Natangwe Ithete has said.
The N$1.2 billion facility, commissioned earlier this year, was built to strengthen the country’s electricity supply by adding dispatchable and reliable capacity to the national grid. While it currently operates on heavy fuel oil (HFO), Ithete said the station has been designed with flexibility in mind.
“While it currently runs on Heavy Fuel Oil, it is designed to switch to natural gas, and in the future, could also be modified to run on green hydrogen,” he said.
The Anixas II project complements the existing 22.5MW Anixas Power Station and is part of Namibia’s broader efforts to diversify its energy mix. The facility uses Internal Combustion Reciprocating Engine (ICRE) technology, which allows it to operate on a variety of fuels including diesel, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and compressed natural gas (CNG).
NamPower spearheaded construction in partnership with FK Generators & Equipment Limited as the lead contractor, working alongside Namibian companies August Twenty-six Construction and Phim Investments CC. The project began in March 2022.
Namibia is aiming to source up to 70% of its energy from renewable sources by 2030. Current plans outline a national generation capacity of 1,677MW by 2035, of which 708.5MW is expected to come from renewables, contributing roughly 60% of projected electricity generation, or 4,947 GWh.
Despite these ambitions, renewable energy — aside from hydropower from plants like the Ruacana Hydroelectric Station — currently makes up only a small portion of installed capacity.
The country recently commissioned the 25MW Khan Solar Power Plant in Usakos, further boosting the renewable share in the energy mix.
Ithete also revealed that Namibia is taking steps to define national standards for the emerging green hydrogen sector through the Green Hydrogen Conformity Readiness Assessment.
“By establishing a clear framework, the National Standard Institute (NSI) aims to support Namibia’s aspirations to become a leader in green hydrogen production and export, contributing to economic diversification and sustainability,” he said.
