Namibia is driving a transformative initiative to repurpose its rail assets as a catalyst for green industrialisation, an official has revealed.
Green Hydrogen Commissioner James Mnyupe said the country aims to leverage its strategic geographic position and renewable energy resources to drive sustainable economic growth.
Mnyupe highlighted the important role of rail infrastructure in Namibia’s transition to a green economy.
“Our rail network holds immense potential to facilitate the movement of goods produced with clean energy. By transforming our railways, we can unlock new opportunities for sustainable trade and economic development,” Mnyupe said at the Global African Hydrogen Summit press conference on Thursday.
He said the government’s vision extends beyond merely transporting goods, adding that “it encompasses a comprehensive strategy to harness renewable energy for industrial processes. Namibia plans to augment its energy generation capacity and invest in green hydrogen projects to become a net exporter of clean energy.”
Central to Namibia’s strategy is the development of a green hydrogen train, symbolising a shift toward eco-friendly transportation.
The innovative project aims to utilise hydrogen and diesel fuel to power locomotives, paving the way for a greener, more sustainable mode of transportation.
“Our green hydrogen train initiative exemplifies our commitment to sustainable development. By embracing clean energy technologies, we can reduce emissions and create a more environmentally friendly transport system,” explained Mnyupe.
Furthermore, Namibia seeks to attract new industries and add value to its abundant mineral resources through green hydrogen innovation.
The commissioner noted that by incorporating green hydrogen into mineral processing and transportation, the country aims to foster a thriving ecosystem of sustainable industries.
This comes as last year the HyRail Namibia aims to convert two traditional diesel-electric locomotives into dual-fuel models using hydrogen technology developed by CMB.TECH over two decades.
Cleanergy Solutions Namibia will supply the hydrogen fuel from its upcoming green hydrogen production facility near Walvis Bay.
The project aims to introduce green hydrogen as a locomotive fuel in Namibia and the region. Expected to take 18 months, it involves converting two locomotives to use hydrogen in internal combustion engines and a hydrogen fuel storage car.
Meanwhile, Namibia’s Green Maritime Corridor focuses on using clean energy, like green hydrogen, for maritime transport to reduce carbon emissions and lead in fighting climate change.
Mnyupe said the initiative aims to create sustainable shipping solutions while boosting international trade.
“It includes modern ports for handling clean energy and sustainable tech and will connect Namibia to global markets like Europe and East Asia. Supported by groups like the Mars McKinney-Wala Center for Zero-Carbon Shipping, it highlights Namibia’s commitment to environmental stewardship,” he said.
