IN a pivotal move towards sustainable energy development, the Africa Green Hydrogen Hub was unveiled on Thursday at Strathmore University in Nairobi. This collaborative initiative, aimed at accelerating Africa’s clean energy transition, drew praise from key stakeholders.
Isaac Kiva, the secretary for renewable energy at the Kenyan Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, underscored the significance of green hydrogen in Africa’s development trajectory. He remarked, ‘We must ensure that a just energy transition is attainable to boost Africa’s development. Green hydrogen and other sustainable energy systems will help connect over 600 million people in Africa who lack access to electricity.’
Kenyan President William Ruto, who spearheaded the Green Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap, reiterated the government’s commitment to the initiative. He emphasised, ‘The green hydrogen strategy prioritises economic expansion, the generation of job opportunities, and the promotion of environmental stewardship.’ Ruto highlighted green hydrogen’s potential to enhance food security and clean mobility in Kenya.
Isaac Kiva further elaborated on the transformative impact of green hydrogen, stating, ‘Large-scale production of green hydrogen in Africa will tackle energy poverty while enhancing the continent’s capacity to decarbonise its manufacturing, aviation, and agriculture sectors.’
Vincent Ogutu, vice-chancellor of Strathmore University, hailed the launch of the Africa Green Hydrogen Hub as a game-changer. He stressed the importance of collaboration among African universities, stating, ‘Enhanced partnerships are crucial to boost the uptake of green hydrogen and facilitate research, innovation deployment, and peer learning.’
The establishment of the Africa Green Hydrogen Hub signals Africa’s determination to embrace sustainable energy solutions and pave the way for a greener, more resilient future.