Namibia Approves Funding for Industrial — Scale Green Ammonia Project. Windhoek, Namibia — The SDG Namibia One Fund, a dedicated energy transition and green hydrogen infrastructure fund, has announced the signing of a Development Funding Agreement with Zhero Europe.
The agreement is aimed at advancing the Zhero Molecules Walvis Bay Project, a significant industrial — scale green ammonia facility situated near Walvis Bay in the Erongo Region, Namibia.
According to local reports, the SDG Namibia One Fund, managed by Climate Fund Managers in partnership with Invest International and the Environmental Investment Fund of Namibia, has committed up to USD 5. 15 million in development funding. This commitment is part of the European Union’s Global Gateway investment strategy and is intended to support the project’s progression towards a final investment decision, targeted for 2027.
The Zhero Molecules Walvis Bay Project is expected to commence commercial operations by 2030. Once operational, it is set to produce 500,000 tonnes of green ammonia annually, avoiding approximately 1. 2 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions.
The project will also create approximately 6,000 jobs during construction and around 500 permanent roles, fostering local business development and supporting Namibia’s socioeconomic growth.
The facility will be powered by a comprehensive renewable energy system, including 3 GW of solar PV, 2. 2 GWh of battery energy storage, a 1.
6 GW electrolyser system, and 110 km of new transmission infrastructure.
A desalination plant is also planned as part of the project’s water supply solution. Green ammonia produced by the project is destined for global decarbonisation markets, such as fertilisers, maritime fuels, and industrial feedstocks.
This zero — carbon fuel and chemical feedstock is crucial for decarbonising sectors like fertiliser production, maritime shipping, and industrial processes where alternative zero-carbon solutions are scarce.
Darron Johnson, Regional Head of Africa at Climate Fund Managers, commented on the project’s alignment with Namibia’s objectives to develop a competitive green hydrogen and ammonia industry. Johnson highlighted the site’s exceptional solar resources, ample land, and direct access to deep-water export infrastructure as ideal for industrial-scale green ammonia production.
Paolo Gallieri, Chief Operating Officer at Zhero, emphasized the importance of the investment from SDG Namibia One, describing it as pivotal to the venture’s success.
Gallieri expressed optimism about Namibia’s potential to become a global leader in green ammonia and hydrogen production, leveraging its natural resources and strategic location. European Commissioner for International Partnerships, Jozef Síkela, highlighted the project’s potential to create jobs and support sustainable industrial development in Namibia, while contributing to Europe’s decarbonisation efforts.
SDG Namibia One is a blended finance facility designed to mobilise public and private investment into Namibia’s green hydrogen and energy-transition sectors.
The fund currently manages EUR 65 million in early-stage development funding from European donors and is raising additional capital to finance construction-phase investments. Further details are expected as the project progresses through development and into construction.
