Exploration of green hydrogen energy in Africa

Abstract

Africa, although blessed with various renewable energy sources, is overly dependent on fossil fuels for the production of energy. And this over reliance has a lot of disadvantages, one of which is air pollution which consequently causes greenhouse emissions. The aim of this study is to understand the existing energy and green hydrogen energy state and challenges in Africa. The challenges facing the continent as it regards green hydrogen systems are multifaceted in nature, they are issues such as political, social and technical shortcomings. Some of these problems are as a result of the poor policies and frameworks established by energy stakeholders in the region. This work also reviews already functioning green hydrogen production systems globally in order to apply relevant methods and processes as a solution to the problems. Green hydrogen is basically hydrogen that is produced by water electrolysis using renewable and emission-free energy sources such solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, ocean, etc. Relevant findings from the works reviewed are that improved and new processes are beneficial, the levelized cost of hydrogen is relatively cheaper, the state of the renewable energy sources will directly affect the hydrogen to be produced, and that hybridization renewable energy sources slightly reduce hydrogen cost. Finally, it is recommended that energy data should be made available as it promote research and development in the energy industry.