Africa is much more than just stunning landscapes and diverse cultures. The continent also holds enormous potential for the production of green hydrogen—a key technology in the fight against climate change. The H2ATLAS-AFRICA project has thoroughly explored this potential, highlighting how countries in West, East, and Southern Africa could become driving forces in a low-carbon future.
What images come to mind when you think of Africa? Sun, vast landscapes, diverse flora and fauna, large and small cities, warm-hearted people, vibrant colors, and patterns? Something like that? These associations are certainly not wrong, but they paint a very one-sided picture.
The countries of Africa have much more to offer than just beautiful landscapes. The H2ATLAS-AFRICA project, for example, has shown that the countries of West, East, and Southern Africa have enormous potential for producing green hydrogen. But let’s start from the beginning.
Why is green hydrogen so important?
The global fight against climate change concerns us all and requires innovative solutions to transition to a low-carbon economy. One of these solutions is green hydrogen, which is produced using renewable energy.
Many may not be aware that there are different types of hydrogen. Generally, hydrogen is categorized into five different types:
- Gray hydrogen: Is typically produced through steam reforming of fossil natural gas, releasing about 10 tons of CO₂ per ton of hydrogen. The resulting CO₂ is directly released into the atmosphere.
- Blue hydrogen: Differs from gray hydrogen in that the CO₂ produced during its creation is partially captured and stored underground, a process known as CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage). Up to 90 percent of the CO₂ can be stored.
- Turquoise hydrogen: Is produced through the thermal splitting of methane, also known as methane pyrolysis. This process generates solid carbon instead of CO₂, preventing its release into the atmosphere. However, methane pyrolysis is still in the development phase.
- Orange hydrogen: Produced from waste and residual materials, could be a sustainable alternative to conventional production methods. It is considered CO₂-free, as no additional CO₂ is released during the process.
- Green hydrogen: Green hydrogen is generated through the electrolysis of water, using electricity from renewable energy sources. Since this process relies entirely on renewable energy, the produced hydrogen is CO₂-free, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to conventional methods.
Source: https://www.wasserstoff-leitprojekte.de/wissenswertes
All these types of hydrogen are fundamentally colorless, even though their categorization might suggest otherwise. The most interesting for the future is green hydrogen, as it is based on a climate-neutral production process. And this is where Africa comes into play.
Africa is a continent rich in renewable resources. The respective countries could play a key role in the production of green hydrogen. But how do you find the best “spots” to build the necessary infrastructure? The continent is vast, and hydrogen production requires more than just volatile energy sources. The H2ATLAS-AFRICA project set out to find exactly these “spots.”
The H2ATLAS-AFRICA Project: An Introduction
The H2ATLAS-AFRICA project was launched to explore Africa’s enormous potential for green hydrogen production. The focus was on the Sub-Saharan region, which, due to its favorable climatic conditions and vast areas for renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, offers ideal conditions for producing green hydrogen.
Together with local partners, the researchers analyzed the potential of a total of 31 countries in West, East, and Southern Africa. The results for West and Southern Africa have already been published in an interactive map. This map allows users to access the production “hot spots,” which provide a foundation for the future development of the hydrogen economy in the region.
Successful Conclusion and Outlook
In May 2024, the participants of the H2ATLAS-AFRICA project celebrated the successful conclusion of the project at an event held at Forschungszentrum Jülich. Numerous guests from Africa attended to celebrate with their colleagues in Germany. Although the project is officially completed, the final report is still awaited. The final report will include detailed results and recommendations for the next steps.
The project has not only provided valuable data for green hydrogen production but also made a significant contribution to developing skilled professionals in the region. The H2ATLAS-AFRICA project gave rise to the “International Master’s Programme in Energy and Green Hydrogen” (IMP-EGH), which trains future experts in renewable energy and green hydrogen. The second cohort is currently studying in this programme, underscoring the project’s lasting impact.
Green Hydrogen: A Key Factor for Africa’s Future
Green hydrogen has the potential to transform Africa in multiple ways. On one hand, it can help stabilize the continent’s energy supply and reduce dependency on fossil fuels. Large parts of Africa are still underpowered, hindering economic development. The H2ATLAS-AFRICA project aimed to identify the potential for green electricity production to improve the local power supply.
At the same time, producing green hydrogen opens up enormous export opportunities. Surplus electricity can be converted into green hydrogen and exported, for example, to Germany, where the demand for clean hydrogen will significantly increase in the coming years. This could not only make Africa a key player in the global energy market but also generate much-needed revenue for economic development.
Blueprint for International Cooperation
The H2ATLAS-AFRICA project has laid the foundation for a sustainable energy future. By combining scientific research, capacity building, and international collaboration, the project offers a blueprint for partnerships on an equal footing.
The challenge now is to implement the insights gained in pilot projects and to equip trained professionals with the necessary tools to realize the vision of Africa as a leading exporter of green hydrogen.
Voices from the H2ATLAS-AFRICA Project
In 2020, during the official commission of the H2ATLAS-AFRICA Project, I, on behalf of SASSCAL, imagined a world of green hydrogen. Never did I know that this dream would come sooner rather than later. The H2ATLAS-AFRICA Project has been significant for Southern Africa in many ways. Firstly, it ignited so much positive energy. And the message is clear: Green hydrogen is a game changer, and we are embarking on a green hydrogen revolution.
Dr. Jane Olwoch (SASSCAL)
This project has been very useful for Africa, and this cooperation demonstrates that the partnership with WASCAL can advance the development of sustainable green energy production through the development of this green hydrogen atlas. The International Master’s Programme in Energy and Green Hydrogen is one of the outcomes of the H2ATLAS-AFRICA Project. It provides a great opportunity for young people in the ECOWAS countries to start their careers in the field of green energy.
Prof. Daouda Kone (WASCAL)
It has been a life-changing honour for me to work together with great minds in Germany and Africa to develop the H2Atlas. The atlas has highlighted the enormous green hydrogen potential and in turn generated positive reaction among stakeholders. Many countries in Africa are working on their hydrogen strategy and some already have published theirs. No doubt the H2Atlas is a landmark achievement for which I am grateful to all the colleagues who worked on this and to the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research for the funding.
Dr. Solomon Agbo
The H2ATLAS-AFRICA project was an exciting and significant endeavour, providing a unique starting point for green hydrogen development in sub-Saharan Africa. Now is the time to develop comprehensive energy scenarios and strategies to determine where plants should be implemented first and how to best create synergies between African countries through a common energy infrastructure.
Dr. Heidi Heinrichs
What particularly fascinated me about this project is the fruitful, cross-disciplinary collaboration between four scientific departments of the research center and our partners in Western and Southern Africa. This collaboration has enabled a unique, holistic view of the technical, social, political and economic challenges of green hydrogen, including global and local aspects. Last but not least, such a project with at times over 31 partners is also an outstanding example of successful science management achieved by the project teams in Jülich, at WASCAL and at SASSCAL.
Prof. Uwe Rau
Climate change calls for an energy transition, yet a lack of knowledge is hindering progress, particularly in Africa. I am eager to actively contribute to closing this knowledge gap to raise awareness of climate change and renewable energy. At the same time, I am committed to empowering girls to pursue careers in the renewable energy industry. My experiences and hands-on projects during my studies have opened my eyes and significantly shaped my professional path.
Georgette Celestine Udo
More about Georgette: https://blogs.fz-juelich.de/impactandchange/2024/09/09/shapers-of-the-future-success-stories-from-the-imp-egh/?lang=en
The path from my Bachelor’s to my Master’s degree has had a profound impact on my professional career. Through my studies and research experience in Germany, I developed a deep understanding of energy systems and made valuable connections. Participating in international conferences such as the Student Energy Summit and COP2023 has demonstrated how young people can drive change in their communities through clean energy projects. With my work and research, I aim to contribute to these efforts.
Kouroumlakiwé Yoma
More about Kouroumlakiwé: https://blogs.fz-juelich.de/impactandchange/2024/09/09/shapers-of-the-future-success-stories-from-the-imp-egh/?lang=en
For more information, also read:
https://www.h2atlas.de/en/news/detail/Visit-Delegation-Africa
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