How can we meet massive energy demands while focusing on carbon neutrality? These years, this is one of the great challenges facing the heads of state of countries around the world, who are racking their brains to find solutions to reconcile everything…
However, everything indicates that green hydrogen could have potential to help them. At least this is what emerges from a study carried out in Africa which was commissioned by the European Investment Bank, the International Solar Alliance and the African Union to verify the feasibility of developing this mode of energy.
The results are very interesting. According to this study, not only is green hydrogen promising, but it could easily be exported anywhere in the world. This is an advantage which is not trivial for this continent which really needs it. Green hydrogen would finally put Africa on an equal footing with the major world powers.
An investment of several billions
Over the next few years, it is already expected that billions of dollars will be invested to support the development of green hydrogen. Hence the initiative to commission this study, to help the authorities guide their future decisions.
The resulting report is titled Africa’s extraordinary potential in the field of green hydrogenand it demonstrates that this energy resource would be economically viable, provided that its production cost remains below 2 euros per kilo (the equivalent here of less than CAN$3).
As a result, green hydrogen would have the capacity to stimulate economic growth across the African continent, while reducing CO₂ emissions on its territory by 40%.
Energy from renewable sources and green hydrogen
PHOTO ANDRÉ PICHETTE, LA PRESSE ARCHIVES
This Mirai, from Toyota, is a hydrogen car.
When we think about the socio-economic needs of African countries and the potential for green hydrogen production that they contain, it seems logical that they demonstrate a marked interest in this fuel.
On their continent, Africans have impressive renewable energy sources, whether we think of solar energy, geothermal energy or wind power. However, there is also an abundance of certain raw materials essential for electrolysis, which is used to separate water into hydrogen and oxygen.
One of the great advantages of green hydrogen is that it is very clean. It does not generate carbon dioxide, nor any other greenhouse gas (GHG) for that matter, in addition to having a good storage and transport capacity to dispose of excess hydrogen.
Furthermore, the surplus could also be used as an additional source of energy to supplement renewable energies which can only be produced during certain hours of the day and night. This could therefore make it possible to guarantee a regular and adequate supply of electricity, in all circumstances.
In the case of solar photovoltaic technology, for example, it is demonstrated that the world could benefit from the cheapest electricity. Indeed, in many African countries, it would be possible to produce electricity at a cost of less than 2 euros per kilogram, by 2030. However, 2030 is tomorrow…
Not bad compared to the astronomical costs of US$60 to US$70 that buyers must pay for a barrel of oil.
In short, this means that Africa, with this electricity, could move to the next stage, that of providing a fuel that is much more environmentally friendly than current fossil fuels, while being less expensive.
Fundamental factors
The study is projected over time. She estimates that to achieve the objective of producing 50 million tonnes of green hydrogen in Africa by the year 2035, it will however be necessary to take into account certain essential factors.
First of all, it is indicated that it will be necessary to put in place specific programs to encourage investments and to carry out pilot projects which will demonstrate the success of the production, storage, distribution and use of the green hydrogen.
It will also be important to strengthen cooperation throughout the world to undertake the construction and operation of infrastructure, by creating partnerships on a national and international scale.
If so, if this study is anything to go by, Africa could become an important player. By investing in green hydrogen, it would actually be possible to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 40% on the African continent alone, avoiding the release of 500 million tonnes of CO₂ every year.
Thanks to its supply of green hydrogen, the continent would be able to supply 25 million tonnes to global energy markets, and could play a fundamental role in Africa’s transformation, of course, but also on a global scale. worldwide.