Mar 26, 2025 · A recent study by Dagnachew et al. (2025) titled "A green hydrogen revolution in Africa remains elusive under current geopolitical realities," published in Climate Policy, reveals
Jan 2, 2024 · Enthusiasm for clean hydrogen, coupled with Africa''s renewable energy potential, is driving ambitious project proposals across the continent. Hydrogen and other green fuels hold
KEY POINTS Africa’s abundant renewable energy resources position it as a global hub for green hydrogen. Challenges include high costs, infrastructure gaps, and regulatory hurdles. Strategic investments and regional collaboration can unlock green hydrogen’s potential.
Africa’s wealth of renewable energy sources makes it a prime candidate to lead the global green hydrogen market. With abundant sunshine and steady winds, countries like Namibia, South Africa, and Morocco have already begun investing in ambitious hydrogen projects.
With the right enabling conditions and if African countries can capture 15% of the expected globally traded hydrogen volume, renewable hydrogen production for export could grow from 1 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) in 2030 to 11 Mtpa in 2050. Renewable hydrogen production could mobilize a cumulative investment of USD 400 billion.
Many projects planned in the country target methanol, synthetic fuels, or pure hydrogen for the transport sector. Currently, the only operational green hydrogen project in Africa is in South Africa and produces 600 tons annually with a 3.5 MW electrolysis capacity.
Besides being an environmental advantage, green hydrogen in Africa goes with other major problems that need solutions, such as energy deficit and underdevelopment. Africa’s wealth of renewable energy sources makes it a prime candidate to lead the global green hydrogen market.
South Africa and Morocco account for more than half of announced hydrogen projects in the continent. Ammonia is the main product of these projects given the high fertilizer demand in the continent. The other targeted end-uses of current hydrogen projects are the mobility, power, and iron and steel sectors.
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