All around the world, global leaders seek to decarbonise their energy systems by embracing green recovery. Green hydrogen, a renewable energy source, offers a significant potential to decarbonise energy systems. It provides a vast opportunity for countries to meet their net-zero targets. In Africa, there is a vast resource potential for green hydrogen development, and several countries have begun positioning to utilise this opportunity as a means for economic growth.
As countries in Europe begin implementing net-zero plans, Africa stands to benefit from financing and infrastructural investments. In North Africa especially, the resource potential and proximity to Europe offers significant energy trade opportunities for both continents. For example, Egypt recently signed an agreement for Africa’s first intercontinental transmission connection aimed at connecting European and African electricity grids via undersea cables. In addition, these projects improve renewable and clean energy trade to Europe and pave the way for economic growth and employment opportunities for North Africans.
In Southern Africa, Namibia and South Africa are pioneering the region’s green hydrogen development drive. Namibia has begun a feasibility study of its green hydrogen potential via a $4.3 million project funded by the German government; the country has the potential to produce the world’s cheapest green hydrogen. On the other hand, South Africa is also making strides to become a major producer and exporter of green hydrogen. Green hydrogen promises to significantly boost South Africa’s economy and decarbonise its energy sector. The energy firm, Hive Hydrogen, is set to harness green ammonia from water using an electrolyser process in its efforts to develop a totally green energy source.
Why Green Hydrogen?
Green hydrogen has a lot of unique characteristics, which makes it the most sought-after resource in the quest for green recovery. It is 100 per cent sustainable and has significantly fewer emissions than other energy sources. Moreover, it is relatively abundant and can be generated from several renewable energy resources (solar, water, and wind). In addition, its versatility offers a great opportunity to be transformed into electricity or synthetic gas for domestic, commercial, and industrial purposes. What’s more, it can be transported with gas pipes hence doesn’t require new transport infrastructure for countries already into the exportation of gas.