- LONGi and APPL Hydrogen partner on a €7.6 billion green hydrogen project in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
- The project aims to produce green methanol, medical-grade oxygen, and food-quality carbon dioxide for export, primarily to Europe.
- West Africa, led by Nigeria, Mauritania, and Ghana, is gradually expanding its green hydrogen capabilities but faces high production costs and logistical challenges.
On February 22, 2025, LONGi, a Chinese company, joined forces with Nigeria’s APPL Hydrogen Limited (AHL) to launch a €7.6 billion green hydrogen project. This partnership aims to accelerate Nigeria’s energy transition and boost West Africa’s green hydrogen sector. The project in Akwa Ibom State will produce one tonne of green methanol annually, along with medical-grade oxygen and food-quality carbon dioxide, primarily for export.
Countries worldwide, especially Europe, have shown growing interest in green hydrogen from renewable energy sources. As European demand rises, African nations are trying to develop the sector. However, significant disparities exist across the continent. North African countries like Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria lead the way, while West Africa moves slower.
Nigeria joins other West African nations like Mauritania and Ghana in advancing their green hydrogen capabilities. Mauritania seeks to establish itself as a regional hub through the NOUR and Infinity-Conjuncta projects. Ghana is also building a pilot facility with German company SFC Energy AG. However, despite these initiatives, West Africa continues to trail behind North and Southern Africa, where more advanced projects are already in motion.
High production costs pose a significant challenge to Africa’s green hydrogen development. Producing hydrogen from renewable energy remains expensive, hindering the sector’s ability to scale up. Additionally, logistical hurdles in transporting hydrogen to international markets, mainly Europe, further complicate progress. These obstacles slow down growth, especially in West Africa.
Despite these challenges, the green hydrogen sector shows immense potential. Global interest continues to rise, with Europe driving much of the demand. For countries like Nigeria, this sector presents a significant economic opportunity. The LONGi-AHL partnership could attract further investment and position the region as a key player in the global energy market.
Nigeria’s efforts to invest in renewable energy could strengthen its standing in the green hydrogen market. This project supports the country’s broader goals of sustainability and economic diversification. It could pave the way for similar projects across West Africa, increasing the region’s presence in the energy sector.
While production costs and logistical challenges persist, projects like the LONGi-AHL collaboration indicate a promising future for green hydrogen development in Nigeria and West Africa. As European demand continues to grow and global interest in green energy intensifies, West Africa could soon catch up with other regions, securing a role in the worldwide energy transition.