Green hydrogen - yet another scramble for Africa?

Green hydrogen (GH2) prospects in Africa are developing at breakneck speed. But the biggest questions remain unanswered.  

  • Yes, Africa has the resources but can these highly capital intensive projects be made bankable while lenders demand heavy risk premiums on African projects?
  • Can commercial offtake agreements be put in place without penalising more expensive first movers?  
  • And which projects will prevail?  Competition is growing for sites with the best wind, solar irradiation, water supply, logistics and access to market.  
  • If this is yet another scramble for Africa, will it bring sustainable development, unlike the 19th and 20th century quests for physical resources?
Green hydrogen, istock