A N$17 billion green hydrogen and ammonia project near Henties Bay has reached a major development milestone, positioning Namibia for another significant investment in its emerging renewable energy industry, with 750 jobs expected and 210,000 tonnes of green ammonia earmarked for export annually.
CMMZE Energy Namibia (Pty) Ltd announced on Monday last week that the project has reached “ready-to-build” status after securing its Final Investment Decision (FID) in the last week of September 2026, following the completion of its Front-End Engineering Design (FEED). The ambitious development is expected to produce approximately 35 000 tonnes of green hydrogen annually, which will be converted into 210 000 tonnes of green ammonia for export, particularly to European markets. Unlike conventional industrial facilities, the plant will operate independently of Namibia’s national electricity grid, relying on a dedicated renewable energy facility developed specifically to supply its power requirements.
The project is expected to bring substantial economic opportunities to the Erongo Region, with approximately 550 jobs anticipated during construction and a further 200 permanent positions once operations begin. Training and skills transfer are also expected to form part of the development, creating opportunities for Namibians to acquire specialised skills in the growing green hydrogen and ammonia industries. Strategically located near Henties Bay, the facility is expected to serve as a direct loading point for green ammonia exports. Its parent company, CMMZE Invest, intends to draw on its international shipping experience, dating back to 1979, to transport the product to international markets.
The investment comes as global demand for cleaner energy alternatives continues to grow, particularly in industries such as shipping, heavy manufacturing and power generation, where reducing carbon emissions remains a major challenge. The development adds to Namibia’s growing portfolio of green hydrogen initiatives, including the Hyphen Hydrogen Energy project near Lüderitz and the Daures Green Hydrogen Village in the Erongo Region.
With an estimated investment of N$17 billion, the CMMZE development could become an important economic driver for Henties Bay, diversify the coastal town’s economic base and strengthen Namibia’s position in the international green energy market. The next phase will be turning the project’s ready-to-build status into construction and, ultimately, commercial production.
By Rudi Bowe
