TIRI MASAWI
Ohlthaver & List’s (O&L) decision to exit its partnership with CBM.TECH in Cleanergy Solutions has deepened uncertainty in Namibia’s green hydrogen sector. The move comes as the country still struggles to secure offtakers for the final product, a challenge compounded by the logistical difficulties of transporting green hydrogen over long distances.
The situation follows last month’s departure of Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme head James Mnyupe, widely regarded as a key architect of the industry since his tenure as Green Hydrogen Commissioner and economic advisor to former President Hage Geingob.
O&L’s 51% stake will be taken over by H₂Infra NV, a subsidiary of CMB.TECH, if approved by the Namibia Competition Commission (NaCC).
This will see CMB. TECH take over the whole project as a majority shareholder. A memo written to staff by O&L Executive Chairman Sven Thieme confirmed the development.“I herewith wish to share an important update regarding one of our pioneer ventures. Cleanergy Solutions Namibia. H2Infra NV, a subsidiary of CMB. TECH will become the sole shareholder of the Cleanergy Solutions. Acquiring the 51% currently held by O&L Group. The Transaction is pending the approval of the Namibia Competition Commission,” Thieme said to his staff.
Thieme said the company is proud to have played a part in the green hydrogen transition and will continue to work with CMB. TECH in other ventures in the future.
“As O&L, we are immensely proud of our role in co-founding Cleanergy and laying the cornerstone of Namibia’s green hydrogen future. This milestone reflects our longstanding purpose of creating a future where we enhance life and our commitment to pioneering industries that empower Namibia’s economy and enable sustainable, future-ready opportunities,” he said.
The company said the establishment of Cleanergy Solutions Namibia marked a historic step in the country’s journey toward developing a green hydrogen economy.
Thieme said the transition enables O&L to continue its pioneering legacy by strengthening its business portfolio and pursuing new ventures that set benchmarks for Namibia’s future. He said the O&L Group remains committed to supporting national sustainability priorities through innovation, collaboration and strategic investment while exploring growth opportunities that advance economic development, industrial diversification and long-term prosperity.
“While our shareholder chapter in Cleanergy comes to an end, our partnership story with CMB.TECH does not,” said Sven Thieme. “We look forward to continued collaboration with CMB.TECH on future pioneering projects that advance Namibia’s and Africa’s energy transition.”
Commenting on the transition, a spokesperson for CMB.TECH Roy Campe said: “We are deeply grateful to O&L for their foundational contributions and collaborative spirit throughout our joint venture. Together, we successfully delivered Namibia’s first public green hydrogen refuelling station, a landmark achievement that demonstrates the power of partnership and innovation. As we assume full ownership, we want to reassure all stakeholders that Cleanergy’s future plans and projects will continue as planned. Our commitment to local impact, environmental responsibility, and innovation remains unwavering. With a growing team of employees, we are eagerly looking forward to the next project phases, including ammonia production, storage, berthing and pipeline development.”
UNCERTAIN FUTURE
The decision by Ohlthaver & List (O&L) to exit its partnership with CMB.TECH in Cleanergy Solutions is another shake-up in Namibia’s green hydrogen sector. It follows the recent departure of James Mnyupe, the chief architect of the country’s Green Hydrogen Programme, a move that has deepened uncertainty about the initiative’s direction.
Mnyupe confirmed his decision to leave the institution in a lengthy press statement last month. He has now joined thyssenkrupp Uhde, as senior vice president for sub-Sahara Africa.
“ As I step aside, I do so with pride in the milestones we have attained together and with great optimism for the future of Namibia’s green hydrogen sector and broader green industrialisation agenda.
“ I have full confidence in the staff members at the Programme that are tasked with carrying this important work forward and I remain committed to supporting the national vision in any way I can during my last days and in future. I therefore remain at the disposal of our Government and the Programme to assist in furthering this nascent industry even beyond my departure,” Mnyupe wrote on his LinkedIn page.
He described his journey in the industry as the highest honour of his professional journey.
“I remain deeply grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me to lead this national initiative, to diversify our economy, create meaningful employment, and position Namibia as a global player in the emerging green industrialisation space.
“Through this role, I have been privileged to contribute to advancing Namibia’s long-term prosperity, empowering our youth, while working alongside dedicated public servants, private sector leaders, and international partners. The collective progress achieved thus far stands as a testament to the Government’s visionary leadership and the resilience of the Namibian people,” he said.
According to Mnyupe, the thyssenkrupp Uhde is one of the most prominent engineering, procurement and construction companies globally.
He added that Uhde has built over 2 500 chemical plants globally and has expertise to envision, design and deliver the same plants the Namibian Government has envisioned over the past 5 years.
WORSENING SITUATION
Two months back, German utility company RWE withdrew from a non-binding agreement with Hyphen Hydrogen Energy to potentially purchase green ammonia from its N$190 billion project in Namibia.
RWE cited a slower-than-expected development of the European hydrogen market and a review of its projects as the reason for its exit.
They said the demand for hydrogen and its derivatives, such as ammonia, is not growing as quickly as anticipated in Europe. This has prompted the company to reassess its international projects.
The agreement was only a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed in 2022 to explore a potential supply deal and was never a final, binding purchase contract.
The decision also followed complaints from indigenous Nama rights groups, which alleged the project would encroach on their ancestral land inside a national park. While RWE stated its decision was unrelated to these concerns, the European Centre for Constitutional and Human Rights welcomed the move, asserting it was a positive step toward not purchasing goods produced on land where indigenous rights are violated.
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