Niël Terblanché
Namibia’s ambition to lead Africa’s energy transition, aligning with its Green Industrialisation Blueprint has taken another step forward with the visit by Lei Zhang, founder of Envision last week.
Collaboration with Envision, a global leader in renewable energy established in China, will boost Namibia on its journey towards becoming a key player in green industrialisation.
Zhang met with government officials to explore opportunities to position the country as a major hub for green hydrogen production.
During his visit, Zhang engaged with key figures such as Obeth Kandjoze, chair of the Green Hydrogen Council, and Lucia Iipumbu, minister of industrialisation and trade, to discuss the nation’s vision for renewable energy.
Kandjoze told Zhang that Namibia’s stable political environment and investment-friendly culture make it an attractive destination for global investors.
“Green hydrogen is a substantial economic opportunity for Namibia, one that can rival traditional industries like oil and gas,” he said.
The visit continued with discussions involving President Nangolo Mbumba and Nangula Uaandja, the chief executive officer of the Namibia Investment Promotion and Development Board (NIPDB).
Uaandja praised Envision’s role in Namibia’s green hydrogen agenda, noting the company’s rapid growth and alignment with the country’s industrialisation goals.
During the meeting, Zhang reiterated that Envision’s mission is to solve sustainability challenges through renewable energy and green hydrogen for humanity.
One of the major outcomes of the discussions was the development of a renewable ammonia plant near Walvis Bay, with a production capacity of 500 000 tons per year.
This project represents a significant step towards advancing Namibia’s renewable energy goals, creating jobs, and driving local manufacturing.
Envision, which operates across six continents, is recognised for its contributions to net-zero technology.
The company’s focus on smart wind turbines, energy storage, and green hydrogen aligns with Namibia’s efforts to diversify its economy and reduce reliance on traditional fossil fuels.
Zhang’s discussions with Namibian leaders further solidified Envision’s role in supporting the nation’s green hydrogen agenda, with the potential to rival industries such as oil and gas in terms of economic opportunity.
Envision has been actively advancing green hydrogen projects globally.
One notable initiative is its US$1 billion investment in Spain’s first integrated green hydrogen net-zero industrial park.
This project, expected to create up to 1 000 jobs, demonstrates Envision’s commitment to decarbonising hard-to-abate industries through innovative solutions.
The facility will contribute 5 gigawatts of electrolysis capacity, significantly advancing Spain’s hydrogen roadmap.
In Namibia, the development of the ammonia plant, set to begin construction by the end of 2025, will not only supply global markets but also serve as a driver for further local industrialisation.
The project is expected to boost job creation, skills development, and the growth of Namibia’s renewable energy sector.
Iipumbu during her meeting with Zhang, stressed the importance of building local capacity and training Namibians in renewable energy technologies to ensure sustainable growth.
She said Zhang’s visit marks a key point in Namibia’s green energy future, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to attracting global investors and positioning itself as a leader in the green hydrogen revolution.
According to Ipumbu, collaboration between Envision and Namibian authorities strengthens the potential for renewable energy to drive economic transformation and sustainable development in the country.
