The Future of Green Hydrogen in Africa: A New Era of Clean Energy?

Africa is at a turning point in its energy journey. The continent has a huge opportunity to become a global leader in producing green hydrogen, a clean and carbon-free fuel.

This fuel can help reduce pollution from industries like transportation, manufacturing, and chemicals. With its abundant natural resources, Africa is in a great position to lead the world in green hydrogen. But, there are both opportunities and challenges ahead.

Africa’s Unique Role in the Green Hydrogen Revolution

Green hydrogen is created by using renewable energy—such as solar and wind—to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. This method is clean and does not rely on fossil fuels, making it a sustainable option.

Africa has a lot of potential to produce green hydrogen because of its vast solar and wind resources. The International Energy Agency (IEA) says Africa has 60% of the world’s best solar resources, but it only produces 1% of global solar energy.

This shows how much room there is for growth, especially in countries like Namibia, South Africa, and Morocco, which are already working on large green hydrogen projects.

Key Green Hydrogen Projects in Africa

Several important green hydrogen projects are currently being developed across Africa:

1. Namibia’s Hyphen Hydrogen Energy Project: Namibia is using its strong solar and wind resources to create one of the world’s largest green hydrogen facilities. This $10 billion project aims to produce green hydrogen on a large scale for use both within the country and for export, making Namibia a significant player in the green hydrogen market.
2. South Africa’s Hydrogen Valley: South Africa is building a "Hydrogen Valley," which will combine different hydrogen projects from Limpopo to Johannesburg. This project is part of South Africa’s broader plan to cut down on carbon emissions and grow its economy through clean energy.
3. Morocco’s Noor Midelt Complex: Morocco is already a leader in renewable energy and is adding green hydrogen production to its Noor Midelt solar complex. This project could further boost Morocco’s role as a major energy exporter, especially to Europe, where green hydrogen demand is growing.

These projects show Africa’s potential to become a global centre for green hydrogen production. The European Investment Bank estimates that Africa could produce over 50 million tonnes of green hydrogen per year by 2035, making it a key supplier to the global market

Opportunities for Investment and Economic Growth

Developing green hydrogen in Africa offers many benefits for international investors, businesses, and local communities:

• Export Potential: Africa’s closeness to Europe makes it ideal for exporting green hydrogen. Countries like Morocco, Mauritania, and Egypt are well-placed to connect their production to Europe’s growing hydrogen pipeline network.
• Job Creation and Economic Growth: Building and running green hydrogen plants will create thousands of jobs and help diversify Africa’s economies. This growth will also support related industries, such as renewable energy, green hydrogen production, and the manufacturing of products like green ammonia and green steel.
• Innovation: Africa’s push towards green hydrogen could lead to new technologies, particularly in energy storage and production. These advances could make Africa a leader in the next generation of clean energy solutions.

Challenges and the Path Forward

While the future of green hydrogen in Africa is bright, there are challenges that must be addressed:

• Infrastructure Development: Building the necessary infrastructure for green hydrogen production, storage, and transport will require large investments. This includes setting up renewable energy plants, transmission networks, and port facilities. The scale of these projects is a big challenge, especially in underdeveloped areas.
• Water Scarcity: Producing green hydrogen needs a lot of clean water, which is hard to find in many parts of Africa. Some projects are already planning to use desalination to meet this need, but this adds to the cost and complexity(
• Political and Regulatory Challenges: The political and legal environment in Africa is varied and can be tough for big investments. Governments need to create clear rules and support systems to attract and keep international investors while ensuring that these projects benefit local people and economies.
• Competition and Market Viability: Africa isn’t the only region aiming to be a leader in green hydrogen. Countries like Chile are also trying to enter the same markets. Africa must carefully plan and form strong partnerships to stay competitive.

Conclusion

Africa is on the verge of a green hydrogen revolution that could change its economies and contribute to the global move towards clean energy. By using its vast renewable resources, Africa can lead in producing and exporting green hydrogen, providing a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.

However, this vision will only become a reality if Africa can overcome significant challenges like infrastructure needs, water scarcity, and regulatory issues. With the right investments and policies, Africa can unlock its full potential in the green hydrogen sector, creating jobs, driving economic growth, and helping build a cleaner global energy system.

As Africa continues to develop its green hydrogen capabilities, the continent has the chance to meet its energy needs in a sustainable way and become a key player in the global energy market. The time to invest in Africa’s green hydrogen future is now, and the world is watching closely as this new era of clean energy takes shape.

About the Author

CHERIF Harouna is a seasoned African consultant with a wealth of experience in African affairs. Over a decade of expertise in navigating intricate investments across the continent, he is dedicated to cultivating ethical and impactful business partnerships in Africa.

For more insights or to discuss potential collaboration opportunities, connect with CHERIF on LinkedIn CherifProfile or email at cherif@har-che.com.