Overview of Bridging the Clean Hydrogen Energy in Africa

Clean hydrogen is emerging as a pivotal element in global decarbonization strategies, with applications in the heavy industry, transportation, and energy storage sectors. Africa’s exceptional renewable resource base positions it as a potential leader in cost-competitive hydrogen production. The realization of this potential is constrained by limited financing, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient policy readiness. There is a need for an alternative source of energy through renewable energy that can cater to the excessive demand that electricity from hydropower has failed to meet, resulting in erratic power supply and shortages. This research assesses the feasibility of green hydrogen production in Sub-Saharan Africa, taking into account existing infrastructure, technological readiness, and policy frameworks. The paper reviews the various gaps in the production and utilization of hydrogen energy, including the challenges and limitations encountered, as well as the way forward for the production and use of hydrogen energy in Africa. Findings indicate that Namibia, South Africa, Kenya, and Mauritania are poised to reach their full potential, but scalability across the region is hindered by weak infrastructure. Limited policy frameworks and high capital expenditure. This review synthesizes existing works on hydrogen production technologies, cost dynamics, policy frameworks, and Africa-specific barriers, highlighting the conditions necessary for bridging the hydrogen energy gap.