Southern African scientists are gearing up for a transformative journey to Germany in May, poised to deepen their understanding of green hydrogen technology amid the region’s burgeoning interest in this clean energy source. This initiative follows the Southern African Science Service Centre for Climate Change and Adaptive Land Management’s (Sasscal) successful two-day Green Hydrogen Symposium in Namibia, where the potential of green hydrogen as a cornerstone of sustainable and inclusive growth was a focal point of discussions.
Dr. Jane Olwoch, Sasscal’s executive director, shared with Engineering News & Mining Weekly her optimism about Southern Africa’s strategic position in the green hydrogen economy. The region’s advantages, from abundant renewable energy resources to strategic partnerships, set the stage for a green energy revolution that could redefine economic and environmental landscapes.
The symposium, a convergence of experts from Angola, Botswana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Eswatini, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, spotlighted the rapid progress of pilot plants and skills development initiatives. These efforts are crucial for laying the groundwork for the region’s green hydrogen sector, promising to create new industrial pathways and combat climate change.
In a significant move to bolster capacity building, Olwoch announced the departure of the first cohort of students for Germany, with plans for more to follow. This educational exchange, focusing on green hydrogen, underscores the importance of skill development in fostering a sustainable green economy.
The symposium’s collaboration between industry leaders, academia, government officials, and the youth highlights a collective commitment to navigating the green hydrogen journey. Olwoch emphasized the affordability and sustainability of green hydrogen, positioning it as a pivotal energy source for the future.
Namibia is already showcasing tangible projects, like the Daures Green Hydrogen Village, backed by Germany’s Federal Ministry of Education and Research. This project not only demonstrates the practical application of green hydrogen but also incorporates capacity building for young Namibians, ensuring local ownership and expertise in this emerging field.
The Youth for Green Hydrogen scholarship initiative, also funded by Germany, plays a critical role in nurturing a new generation of green hydrogen professionals. With a focus on diverse skills from the value chain, these scholars are poised to contribute significantly to the region’s green hydrogen sustainability.
The adoption of green hydrogen offers Africa an opportunity to address its climate vulnerabilities while unlocking economic and technological advancements. With the continent’s abundant renewable resources, green hydrogen could facilitate a transition to cleaner energy, generate employment, and promote environmental restoration.
As the region inches closer to green hydrogen competitiveness, the emphasis on research, capacity building, and policy framework development is crucial. This strategic approach will ensure that Southern Africa not only contributes to global carbon reduction efforts but also benefits from the economic opportunities presented by the green hydrogen economy.
Southern Africa’s rich platinum group metals (PGMs) reserves are a boon for the green hydrogen sector, given their critical role in electrolyzers and fuel cells. This natural endowment presents a unique advantage for the region to become a key player in the global green hydrogen market, leveraging its resources for domestic and export purposes.
The green hydrogen movement in Southern Africa, exemplified by initiatives like the Sasscal symposium and educational exchanges with Germany, heralds a new era of energy, environmental stewardship, and economic opportunity. As the region prepares to harness its renewable energy potential fully, the collaborative efforts of governments, academia, industry, and international partners will be instrumental in realizing the vision of a sustainable and prosperous green hydrogen future.
Source: Mining Weekly
