Compagnie Maritime Belge (CMB) plans to invest 3.5 billion dollars in a complex for the production of carbon-free hydrogen and ammonia in Namibia in association with a local partner, Bloomberg reported on Thursday, May 2, 2024, reported Bloomberg on Thursday, May 2, 2024, citing an executive of the Antwerp maritime transport group.

King Philippe of Belgium visited what is expected to be the first active green hydrogen plant in Namibia. The Antwerp shipping company, which is looking to supply its fleet, plans to open the first stage of the hydrogen and ammonia project through a joint venture with the Namibian group

The facility will initially produce 400 kilograms (882 pounds) of hydrogen per day, powered by a 5-megawatt solar power plant located near the port city of Walvis Bay. Its construction is expected to cost 30 million dollars.

The project, known as Cleanergy, is part of a plan in this arid southern African country to harness some of the best solar radiation in the world and meet European demand for green fuels. If successful, along with recent oil discoveries, it could transform the economy of this country of 2.8 million people, which currently depends on tourism, fishing and diamond mining.

Once completed, the project will allow CMB to begin refueling large ships that dock at Walvis Bay, on the route around the tip of Africa.