Harnessing the power of green hydrogen to address Nigeria's energy predicament
Nigeria, a West African powerhouse with abundant renewable energy resources, is poised to become a significant player in the global green hydrogen market. With its vast potential in hydropower, solar, wind, and biomass, the country is eyeing green hydrogen as a viable solution to reduce carbon emissions and address its power deficit.
Hydropower currently serves as Nigeria's largest renewable energy source, boasting a capacity of up to 10,000 MW for major hydropower and 734 MW for small hydropower. This renewable energy sector, however, is just the beginning for Nigeria's green hydrogen ambitions.
To take off, green hydrogen production in Nigeria requires the development of large-scale solar, wind, and hydropower projects, exceeding 50 megawatts, as stated by energy expert Abel Gaiya. This is crucial, as green hydrogen is produced by splitting water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity generated from renewable sources.
Nigeria has set ambitious goals to close its power gap, aiming to create 30,000MW by 2030, with 3,000MW coming from renewable energy sources. The government is actively engaging in investments and infrastructure development to start industrial-scale green hydrogen production. This includes a $2.6 billion debt restructuring program for its energy sector, designed to improve energy infrastructure and potentially support green hydrogen projects.
The global hydrogen transition is predicted to require a significant increase in renewable energy production, accounting for 85% of the total investment. This transition is expected to offer more growth potential than oil markets, as highlighted by energy analyst Oghosa Erhahon.
By 2050, the demand for hydrogen is projected to increase to 500-680 million metric tons. This growing demand presents opportunities for job creation in upholding standards and verification in the hydrogen supply chain, as well as in the overproduction of renewables facilities, maintenance, and operations, according to Erhahon.
However, Nigeria currently faces challenges in its energy sector. Approximately 92 million people out of the country's 200 million population lack electricity, and the present power demand is estimated at 17,520MW, while the peak generation capacity is 5,300MW. Setting up a mid-sized hydrogen plant in Nigeria costs around $27 million, as reported by Gaiya.
Despite these challenges, the potential benefits of green hydrogen are compelling. It has the advantage of helping reduce carbon emissions in industrial and transportation sectors, as stated by Gaiya. Green hydrogen production could boost employment and stimulate economic growth, particularly in the overproduction of renewables facilities, maintenance, and operations.
As Nigeria moves forward with its green hydrogen plans, the development of a comprehensive green hydrogen policy will be crucial to synchronise the development of infrastructure and new plants, as pointed out by Gaiya. With neighbouring West African countries also exploring solar and hydro dams for green hydrogen production, regional collaboration could further accelerate Nigeria's green hydrogen ambitions.
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