Arandis stakes claim in green hydrogen economy

Arandis has declared its intent to become a national hub for hydrogen production and logistics. The statement was made during a high-level stakeholder meeting held at the Cleanergy Solutions Namibia plant, located near Walvis Bay, on Thursday.Urban development deputy minister Evelyn !Nawases-Taeyele confirmed that Arandis and the Port of Walvis Bay have been identified as central sites for Namibia’s green hydrogen scale-up. “We are entering the final and most critical phase of our strategy. These sites will serve as the backbone of our operations,” she said.!Nawases-Taeyele also confirmed that the pilot hydrogen project in Walvis Bay was developed in partnership with CMB.TECH, a proven operational viability in maritime transport. Compelling exampleThe focus now shifts to large-scale infrastructure development, local beneficiation, and international export.Eline van der Linden, executive at the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme, formally endorsed Arandis’ five-year strategic plan and highlighted HyIron Oshivela Project near the town as a “compelling example” of hydrogen-fuelled mineral beneficiation. The project is entering Phase 2 of direct reduced iron (DRI) production.Van der Linden outlined the importance of shared infrastructure—referred to as Common User Infrastructure (CUI)—for pipelines, storage, transport, and energy to avoid environmental duplication across projects in the ecologically sensitive Erongo Region. She confirmed that a national CUI best practice study will be published in mid-July.The programme also highlighted infrastructure and service delivery gaps in Arandis, inquiring whether roads, housing, waste management, and public services can adequately support the expected influx of workers and operations. “Readiness is key. Some developments take years and should be pursued in tandem,” Van der Linden said.Crafting a sustainable futureErongo Regional Council chairperson Florian Donatus said the meeting affirmed a shift from concept to execution. “We are now fully engaged in making this a reality. Together, we are crafting a sustainable future driven by innovation and the promise of green hydrogen," he said.Arandis Mayor Barnabas Kambara called the event “a moment of collective intention,” saying the town is ready to lead but cannot do so in isolation. “No single entity can achieve this vision alone. All stakeholders, within and outside Namibia, need to hold hands and move forward together—with shared goals, aligned actions, and mutual trust,” he said. He described the meeting as both “a celebration of our progress” and “a renewed call to action” as Arandis positions itself at the centre of Namibia’s green hydrogen transformation.

Arandis stakes claim in green hydrogen economy

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-07

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Arandis stakes claim in green hydrogen economy

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Namibian Sun 2025-07-07

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