Namibiaʼs Green Hydrogen Mid-Year Review 2025 reports that a conceptual master plan for the cross-border hydrogen pipeline between South Africa and Namibia will be developed between the middle of this year and mid-2026, at an estimated budget of N$30-million.

A prefeasibility study covering the project, which will traverse the Western and Northern Cape in South Africa and southern Namibia, was completed in December last year.

The study confirmed that linking the hydrogen hubs in Lüderitz, Boegoebaai and Saldanha Bay, and extending the reach to Gauteng via an eastern corridor, “presents a significant opportunity” for the two countries, notes the review.

“This system is pivotal for sustainable energy, socio-economic growth and advancing Namibia and South Africaʼs net-zero goals, while positioning both countries as key players in the global hydrogen market.”

A significant portion of the conceptual master plan will be funded by Climate Fund

Managers and Gasunie (from The Netherlands), with additional support from the EU, adds the review.

“The government of the Western Cape and the Erongo Region are finalising a twinning agreement, with an implementation plan that prioritises green hydrogen collaboration,” it also notes.

In 2020, President Cyril Ramaphosa first proposed the hydrogen partnership between the two countries.

South Africa targets up to 13-million tonnes of green hydrogen and derivatives a year by 2050 under its $20-billion Green Hydrogen National Programme.

According to the Windhoek Observer, Namibia has attracted N$2.08-billion in investment for green hydrogen projects to date.

These include pilot initiatives, commercial ventures and consultancy work.

A major highlight of the year has been the commissioning of the HyIron–Oshivela green hydrogen plant near Arandis.

The plant in March successfully produced Southern Africa's first green hydrogen using a 12 MW Chinese-made electrolyser.

The project, supported by the Namibian government, will produce green iron initially at five tons an hour, powered exclusively by renewable solar energy.