Swakopmund’s Green Hydrogen Dream Takes Shape
In the sun-drenched coastal town of Swakopmund, Namibia is quietly building a future powered by the wind, the sun and hydrogen. With a bold €220 million investment, Hydrogène de France (HDF Energy) is leading the charge with its Renewstable® Swakopmund Project, a pioneering green hydrogen facility that’s set to transform the country’s energy landscape.
Construction Underway, Launch in 2027
The project is already under construction, with major infrastructure works progressing steadily. Once completed, the facility will produce 1,400 tons of green hydrogen per year, powered by 85 MWp of solar energy and supported by 230 MWh of storage. The plant is expected to go fully operational in 2027, delivering 142 GWh of clean electricity annually day and night.
Who Will Run It?
The plant will be operated by HDF Energy Namibia, the local subsidiary of HDF Energy. While this will be the first large-scale hydrogen facility operated by the Namibian team, they won’t be going it alone.
HDF Energy brings a strong international track record, with hydrogen projects in development or operation across South America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and Africa. This global expertise will be transferred to the Namibian team through intensive training, technology transfer, and operational support, ensuring that local staff are fully equipped to manage and maintain the plant over its 25-year lifespan.
Local Content: Jobs, Skills, and Empowerment
The local content aspect of the project seems minimal despite the fact that local communities will benefit with:
- 550 jobs will be created during construction.
- 500 direct jobs are expected post-construction.
- 50 to 100 permanent roles will support long-term operations.
Furthermore, HDF Energy Namibia is establishing a dedicated training center to build local expertise in hydrogen technologies, plant operations, and renewable energy systems. Special focus will be placed on youth and women, ensuring inclusive access to the green economy.
A Model for Africa’s Energy Future
The Renewstable® Swakopmund project aligns with Namibia’s vision to become Africa’s first zero-emission country, as outlined in the Harambee Prosperity Plan II. By reducing reliance on imported electricity and fossil fuels, the project will help Namibia take control of its energy future while serving as a model for hydrogen-powered development across the continent.
With construction underway and a clear roadmap to 2027, HDF Energy’s investment is more than a bet on green hydrogen, it’s a bet on Namibia’s people, potential, and place in the global energy transition.
However, we need to move beyond operational partnerships, as operational skills are not the most critical factor for economic impact in the local communities. If local stakeholders had taken up shareholding, communities could have benefited not only from local workforce earnings but also from profit sharing and the experience of mobilizing capital an essential step toward replicating such projects elsewhere.