Kenya will need to sink in more investments into its energy sector if it’s to make green hydrogen power attractive for investors.
Experts are now pointing out that despite the massive opportunity that Kenya finds itself as the world moves to adopt sustainable energy, massive capital is needed to kick start the programmes locally.
Speaking to the Star at the sidelines of the Renewable Energy Forum Green Hydrogen Organisation Africa Manager Joyce Kabui noted that for a country like Kenya that lacks the financial muscle the government will have to relook at the regulations and make them investor friendly.
The Green Hydrogen Organisation is a non-profit foundation spearheading a global effort to accelerate the production and use of green hydrogen, working closely with governments, industry and civil society.
“We don’t have the balance sheet to give subsidies for the adoption of green hydrogen to finance such projects. So we need to look at other ways in which we can unlock private capital,” said Kabui.
She points out that the other things that will be required for green hydrogen economy is that low cost financing model.
The experts maintained that if implemented, the adoption will increase the GDP in African countries by between six to 12 percent.
According to renewable industry players, considering that this is a highly technical and specialised field, the development of green hydrogen infrastructure will require skilled labour across various sectors.
This presents an opportunity for collaboration in capacity building and knowledge exchange across nations.
“Kenya will create about 25,000 jobs and drive an investment of Sh1 billion by 2030, the jobs will come both in the construction phase and the operations,” added Kabui.
The President Dr. William Ruto has last month launched green hydrogen roadmap that will guide the adoption of sustainable hydrogen use in the country.
Kenya has already announced a partnership with FFI to develop 300MW of green ammonia.
Green hydrogen is gaining increasing attention worldwide as a clean and sustainable energy carrier.
It is produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy sources, such as wind or solar power, which makes it a zero-emission energy carrier when produced using green energy sources.
Africa, with its abundant renewable energy potential, is considered a promising region for green hydrogen production and utilization.
Many African nations are actively pursuing energy transition strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
According to REFA green hydrogen can play a crucial role in this transition by offering a clean alternative to fossil fuels.
Recently, the European Investment Bank announced some 1.8 million euros to kick-start green hydrogen investments in Kenya.
