Envision and Zhero: Renewable Ammonia Production Near Walvis Bay, Namibia

During the Green Hydrogen Africa Summit, Envision and Zhero announced their plans to develop a renewable ammonia plant with an annual capacity of 500,000 tons. The facility will be situated 70 km from Walvis Bay, where land for renewable energy generation, ammonia production, and storage has already been secured. The final investment decision (FID) is anticipated for 2026, with production expected to commence in 2029. Zhero, a renewable project developer focused on Africa and the US, was founded last year by prominent figures from the NEOM project and secured significant funding in April. Both companies aim to replicate the successes of other renewable mega-projects currently in development, such as NEOM in Saudi Arabia and Envision’s Chifeng project in Inner Mongolia.

In Walvis Bay, substantial infrastructure enhancements are planned to facilitate the export of renewable ammonia. Earlier this year, a proposal was made for an ammonia export terminal in Walvis Bay, which would include 40,000 tons of storage capacity. This terminal is connected to CMB.TECH’s plans for ammonia fuel production in Namibia using renewable energy. A recent industrial roadmap for hydrogen production in Namibia outlines the necessary steps for development. Following a short-term expansion of container-handling capabilities at Walvis Bay South Port, a new North Port will be constructed, involving over $3 billion in investments, and will focus on the bulk handling of dry and liquid cargo. This new site is considered crucial for advancing Namibia's green hydrogen ambitions.