Green hydrogen molecule over Sub-Saharan Africa, symbolizing sustainable energy.

Green Hydrogen in Sub-Saharan Africa: Unlocking Potential and Overcoming Challenges

Elliot Brynn in Climate & Environment August 2025 • 4 min read.

"A multi-disciplinary approach maps the opportunities and hurdles for sustainable hydrogen production in Sub-Saharan Africa."

As the world grapples with the escalating climate crisis and its associated socio-economic impacts, green hydrogen has emerged as a promising solution. Green hydrogen, produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources, offers a pathway to decarbonize various sectors, from transportation and industry to power generation. Sub-Saharan Africa, blessed with abundant renewable energy resources, stands to gain immensely from embracing green hydrogen, increasing local energy access.

Several nations and regions are actively developing hydrogen strategies. China is focusing on the transportation sector, while the European Union aims to build a 40 GW electrolyzer capacity by 2030. The United States envisions producing 50 million metric tons of clean hydrogen annually by 2050. Germany plans to establish a 10 GW generation capacity for green hydrogen to meet domestic industrial needs.

Sub-Saharan Africa is also witnessing a surge of interest in green hydrogen. The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has launched a regional green hydrogen policy framework, and Kenya aims to install 100 MW of electrolysis capacity by 2027, scaling up to 250 MW by 2032. South Africa launched its Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) strategy in 2008, while Namibia hopes to generate up to 12 million tons of hydrogen annually by 2050. Green hydrogen production holds immense promise for increasing local energy access and fostering economic opportunities.

Why a Multi-Faceted Approach is Essential for Green Hydrogen Development

Green hydrogen molecule over Sub-Saharan Africa, symbolizing sustainable energy.

However, realizing the potential of green hydrogen in Sub-Saharan Africa requires a comprehensive approach that goes beyond simply assessing renewable energy resources. Sustainable water management, socio-economic considerations, and local contexts are equally crucial. Producing one kilogram of hydrogen consumes nine kilograms of water, making sustainable water sourcing essential, especially in water-stressed regions. Land eligibility assessments, considering local preferences and land use systems, are also vital.

A recent study, "Mapping Local Green Hydrogen Cost-Potentials by a Multidisciplinary Approach," underscores the importance of this holistic perspective. The study presents a novel framework for analyzing green hydrogen cost-potentials in Sub-Saharan Africa, incorporating:

Dedicated land eligibility assessments based on local preferences
Location-specific renewable energy simulations
Locally-derived sustainable groundwater limitations under climate change scenarios
Optimization of local hydrogen energy systems
Socio-economic indicator-based impact analysis

This integrated approach enables a more nuanced understanding of the opportunities and challenges associated with green hydrogen production in the region. It facilitates the identification of optimal locations, sustainable water sourcing strategies, and socio-economically viable projects. Let's break down each component:

A Future Powered by Green Hydrogen

The comprehensive methodology outlined in the study offers a valuable tool for decision-makers and stakeholders involved in green hydrogen development in Sub-Saharan Africa. By integrating technical, environmental, economic, and social considerations, it paves the way for sustainable and equitable energy solutions that can contribute to climate change mitigation, economic growth, and improved livelihoods.

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This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.ijhydene.2024.08.501,

Title: Mapping Local Green Hydrogen Cost-Potentials By A Multidisciplinary Approach

Subject: econ.gn q-fin.ec

Authors: Shitab Ishmam, Heidi Heinrichs, Christoph Winkler, Bagher Bayat, Amin Lahnaoui, Solomon Agbo, Edgar Ubaldo Pena Sanchez, David Franzmann, Nathan Ojieabu, Celine Koerner, Youpele Micheal, Bamidele Oloruntoba, Carsten Montzka, Harry Vereecken, Harrie-Jan Hendricks-Franssen, Jeerawan Brendt, Simon Brauner, Wilhelm Kuckshinrichs, Sandra Venghaus, Daouda Kone, Bruno Korgo, Kehinde Ogunjobi, Vasco Chiteculo, Jane Olwoch, Zachary Getenga, Jochen Linßen, Detlef Stolten

Published: 10-07-2024

Everything You Need To Know

What is Green Hydrogen and why is it important in the context of Sub-Saharan Africa?

Green hydrogen is produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources. In Sub-Saharan Africa, its importance lies in its potential to decarbonize sectors like transportation, industry, and power generation. The region's abundant renewable energy resources position it to significantly benefit from green hydrogen, thereby increasing local energy access and fostering economic opportunities.

Which countries and regions are actively involved in developing green hydrogen strategies, and what are their specific goals?

Several regions and countries are actively pursuing green hydrogen initiatives. China is prioritizing the transportation sector, while the European Union aims for a 40 GW electrolyzer capacity by 2030. The United States has a goal of producing 50 million metric tons of clean hydrogen annually by 2050. Germany plans to establish a 10 GW generation capacity for green hydrogen to meet domestic industrial needs. Within Sub-Saharan Africa, ECOWAS has launched a regional green hydrogen policy framework, Kenya aims for 100 MW of electrolysis capacity by 2027 (scaling up to 250 MW by 2032), South Africa launched the Hydrogen South Africa (HySA) strategy in 2008, and Namibia hopes to generate up to 12 million tons of hydrogen annually by 2050.

What are the key challenges in realizing the potential of green hydrogen in Sub-Saharan Africa?

The realization of green hydrogen's potential in Sub-Saharan Africa requires a comprehensive approach. Key challenges include sustainable water management (as one kilogram of hydrogen consumes nine kilograms of water), socio-economic considerations, and local contexts. Land eligibility assessments, considering local preferences and land use systems, are also crucial to ensure projects are viable and beneficial to the communities.

Explain the components of the "Mapping Local Green Hydrogen Cost-Potentials by a Multidisciplinary Approach" study.

The study, "Mapping Local Green Hydrogen Cost-Potentials by a Multidisciplinary Approach", incorporates a multi-faceted approach. This includes dedicated land eligibility assessments based on local preferences, location-specific renewable energy simulations, locally-derived sustainable groundwater limitations under climate change scenarios, optimization of local hydrogen energy systems, and socio-economic indicator-based impact analysis. This integrated methodology provides a nuanced understanding of the opportunities and challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa.

How can a multi-disciplinary approach contribute to the successful development of Green Hydrogen projects in Sub-Saharan Africa?

A multi-disciplinary approach is essential for the successful development of green hydrogen projects. Integrating technical, environmental, economic, and social considerations enables the identification of optimal locations, sustainable water sourcing strategies, and socio-economically viable projects. This approach facilitates climate change mitigation, economic growth, and improved livelihoods, paving the way for sustainable and equitable energy solutions. By considering local preferences, water limitations, renewable energy potential, and socio-economic impacts, projects are more likely to be both successful and beneficial to the communities involved.