The first results of the BMBF project “Green Hydrogen Potential Atlas” show immense potential for a hydrogen partnership between Germany and West Africa. Press conference with the Federal Minister for Education and Research Anja Karliczek, Dr. Stefan Kaufmann, green hydrogen innovation officer, Christoph Kannengießer, managing director of the German African Business Association and Solomon Nwabueze Agbo, project coordinator on the subject of establishing a hydrogen partnership with West Africa.
In order to find out what potential there is for the production and export of green hydrogen in Africa, the Federal Ministry of Research has been funding a “Hydrogen Potential Atlas” since 2020. In addition to the conditions for the generation of renewable energies and the necessary infrastructure, it particularly considers the opportunities for sustainable development on site. On Thursday, May 20th, Federal Research Minister Anja Karliczek presented the first atlas results for the 15 states of the West African Economic Community (ECOWAS). They show: Africa could become an important partner for the German hydrogen economy in the future.
These are the most important results at a glance:
- In West Africa alone, a maximum of 165,000 TWh of green hydrogen could be produced annually. For comparison: That corresponds to 110 times the amount of green hydrogen that Germany will probably have to import in 2050.
- Of these 165,000 TWh of hydrogen, around 120,000 TWh could be produced annually for less than 2.50 euros per kilogram. For comparison: studies assume that the cost of one kilo of hydrogen in Germany will still be around 3.80 euros in 2050.
- Solar energy can be generated most cheaply in the northern regions of West Africa, and wind energy in the southern regions. Because of the low electricity production costs of solar energy under 2 cents per kWh in northern West Africa, the costs for the production of green hydrogen are particularly low here. For comparison: The electricity production costs with renewable energies in West Africa are around 30% lower than in Germany.
- It is possible to meet West Africa’s local energy needs – without significantly reducing the energy requirements for the production of green hydrogen.
- The development of a green hydrogen-based economy is associated with high social and economic benefits in both urban and rural regions of West Africa. This makes hydrogen technologies interesting for African decision-makers from politics and business – and increases the likelihood of a quick entry into the hydrogen economy.
Source: Bindungsministerium für Bildung & Forschung
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