Nigeria-Germany Partnership Paves Way for Green Hydrogen Revolution to Combat Climate Change

By Ngozi Eyeh

The private sector in Nigeria has forged a strategic partnership with Germany to spearhead the development of green hydrogen technology, aiming to combat climate change and foster sustainable economic growth.

During a recent Business Roundtable event titled ‘Enabling Green Hydrogen Pilot Projects through Partnerships’ held in Lagos, Ofonama Archibong, the Advisor for the International Hydrogen Ramp-Up Programme, emphasized the immense potential of green hydrogen across various sectors, including hard-to-abate industries, energy, transportation, and exports.

For Nigeria, the green hydrogen market is still in its infancy, necessitating a range of support mechanisms to facilitate its growth.

In response to this challenge, the International Hydrogen Ramp-Up Program (H2Uppp), funded by the German Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) and executed in partnership with the German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AHK), is actively supporting the expansion of green hydrogen and power-to-X (PIX) technologies and products in Nigeria, in collaboration with the private sector.

Archibong highlighted that this initiative focuses on early-stage market development activities to kickstart and accelerate market growth while enhancing knowledge within the sector.

Dayo Shobitan, Chief Executive Officer of Geogrid Energy, underscored the pivotal role that green hydrogen is poised to play in the future energy landscape.

He noted that Nigeria possesses favorable conditions for green hydrogen generation, with production costs expected to remain competitive, not exceeding £3.5/Kg until 2030, allowing for favorable competition with international counterparts.

Shobitan urged Nigeria to harness its advantages in manufacturing green hydrogen using renewable energy sources for the global export market.

Muideen Oladapo, Chief Technical Officer at Dunatos Technology Limited, elaborated on how advancements in renewable energy technology have paved the way for a cutting-edge hybrid system.

He emphasized that the deployment of such a hybrid renewable energy system has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable future for generations to come.

Regarding economic benefits, Oladapo highlighted that embracing renewable energy will create job opportunities, stimulate local economies, reduce energy costs, and enhance energy security, all of which will contribute to a more prosperous and sustainable society.

He stressed the need for collaborative efforts among government institutions, private entities, and local stakeholders to realize the vision of a greener and more sustainable future.