In a landmark moment for Namibia’s green industrialisation drive, the country officially marked a significant milestone by launching a first-of-its-kind carbon-neutral iron production plant in Africa, and one of the world’s first industrial facilities dedicated to zero-emissions iron production, near Arandis in the Erongo Region. Happening right here in Namibia, the HyIron Oshivela Plant – developed in just less than 12 months and constructed by Namibians – is a project run by Namibia and its international partners. Officiating at the ceremonial opening, President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah said: “Namibia’s continuous pledge to peace, political stability and adherence to the rule of law is a prerequisite for investment, provided that investors respect our clarion call for local beneficiation.” She also called on investors to follow and emulate the exemplary path of HyIron. “As the world turns its gaze upon Namibia today, this project positions our country as a strategic partner in the production of iron, a vital material across the automotive, energy and manufacturing sectors,” said Nandi-Ndaitwah.
HyIron is a collaborative initiative between Namibian and German firms specialising in renewable energy and engineering. It uses a carbon-neutral method, HyIron technology, to produce iron by reducing iron ore with green hydrogen in a rotary kiln. This process avoids 1.8 tonnes of CO₂ emissions for every tonne of iron produced, compared to traditional methods.
With clean energy emerging as a global advantage, Namibia is positioning itself to benefit from the growing demand for sustainably produced goods with clean energy now emerging as a global advantage. Speaking on the matter, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Industries, Mines and Energy, Natangwe Ithete, noted that countries around the world are increasingly favouring products manufactured with renewable energy sources. Ithete added that by aligning with this trend, Namibia not only ensures compliance with evolving international regulations but also gains a valuable competitive edge in global markets. “We must also remember that Namibia is highly vulnerable to climate change. While we remain a net carbon sink, our renewable energy resources offer us a chance not only to decarbonise locally, but to support cleaner industries globally,” he added.
The project not only places Namibia on the global green hydrogen map but also exemplifies meaningful value addition locally. Facilitated by the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB), the project now houses Namibia’s second-largest renewable energy power station, the largest battery energy storage system in the country and the largest electrolyser in Southern Africa. This is according to Dr Thorsten Hutter, the German ambassador to Namibia, who commended the use of Namibian engineers, technicians and workers during its development. “HyIron demonstrates that real value addition in Namibia is achievable, creating jobs, income and industrial opportunity,” said Hutter. He reiterated Germany’s commitment to remain a reliable partner for Namibia and other developing countries, saying that the two countries’ bilateral relationship is built on solidarity, cooperation and mutual development.
The European Union’s ambassador to Namibia, Ana Beatriz Martins, noted that phase two of the production will be scaled up from 15,000 to 200,000 tonnes per year with the EU and the Netherlands to join as partners, contributing €12.9 million (approximately N$258 million) in grants to Namibia’s SDG1 Fund. “At least seven European companies are seeking to invest in Namibia’s green hydrogen economy, with a prospective investment pipeline exceeding €20 billion, or N$430 billion,” Martins added.
The inauguration of the HyIron Oshivela Plant signifies a transformative step for Namibia, showcasing its capacity to integrate cutting-edge technology with sustainable practices, and positioning the country as a key player in the global green economy.
Maggie Forcelledo Paz
