TransNamib on a green path

TransNamib, the national railway company of Namibia, is preparing to undertake an extensive preparatory phase before contemplating locomotive conversions as a crucial part of its strategy to reduce carbon emissions in rail operations. This information was shared by James Mnyupe, the leader of the Namibia Green Hydrogen Programme (NGH2P). The project, which requires a total investment of €9.17 million, is projected to be financed through a mix of grants, secured loans, and shareholder equity.

The project is a collaborative effort led by TransNamib, Hyphen Technical, and CMB Tech, with the University of Namibia (UNAM) contributing as an academic partner.

Mnyupe highlighted NGH2P's keenness to work closely with TransNamib and other key partners to expedite the introduction of a dual-fuel locomotive. This initiative aims to incorporate hydrogen power into Namibia's rail infrastructure, marking a significant step towards the country's green industrialisation.

TransNamib is expected to release more updates in the upcoming months. By April of the following year, NGH2P aims to have a hydrogen-powered locomotive in operation. This demonstration will highlight Namibia's commitment to advancing its green industrialisation goals.

Both NGH2P and TransNamib, along with other stakeholders, will continue their collaborative efforts on this project, which is crucial for ensuring the successful deployment of hydrogen technologies, reducing emissions, and improving the country's transportation infrastructure. According to Mnyupe, this strategic shift will enable TransNamib to better fulfil its mission while supporting Namibia's broader environmental goals.

Recently, TransNamib reassessed its development plans, focusing on its primary objectives, which include the procurement of N$2.6 billion in new rolling stock and a goal to more than double its annual freight volume over the next five years. As part of this reassessment, the company decided to temporarily pause its pursuit of the dual-fuel locomotive project, allowing it to allocate resources to its most critical objectives.

Despite this pause, TransNamib remains committed to Namibia's Green Hydrogen Strategy and the future integration of hydrogen technologies into its operations. Both TransNamib and NGH2P are optimistic that their collaborative efforts will lead to the successful deployment of a dual-fuel locomotive in the near future. This success could pave the way for the expanded use of green hydrogen across Namibia's rail network, providing a greener alternative to traditional diesel-powered trains and setting a precedent for sustainable rail transport solutions in Africa.