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Renewables
Charley Rattan
Charley Rattan
Top Contributor
 · Posted in Renewables

IRENA | Hydrogen, Africa geopolitics

 

 

INFRASTRUCTURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR AFRICA IN THE SHIPPING SECTOR

 

Africa has vast renewable energy potential that could be used to meet demand from growing sea trade. In 2019, total maritime trade in Africa was 762 million tonnes, representing about 7% of the global total (UNCTAD, 2020). In terms of maritime freight, Nigeria represents almost a third of the activity, followed by Morocco and South Africa. Looking to 2050, higher income, economic growth and a larger population could cause marine freight to grow by more than 11 times current values (Khalili et al., 2019). Even considering energy efficiency and a potential reduction of 45% in ships’ energy consumption (IRENA, 2021d), electricity demand for synthetic fuels could reach 500 TWh.

To put this into perspective, Africa’s entire electricity demand in 2019 was about 700 TWh (IEA, 2019b). Higher consumption would require anywhere between 100 GW and 350 GW of electrolysis (depending on the type of renewable electricity used) and could trigger an investment of USD 200-400 billion. Bunkering facilities for new fuels in the shipping sector go together with the transformation of ports and the construction of export facilities. Actions in this direction have already begun. In November 2021, the Namibian Ports Authority signed a memorandum of understanding with the Port of Rotterdam aiming to establish a trading route for green hydrogen.

sectoral training

 

 

The port aims to import 20 MtH2 by 2050, while Namibia already has plans to develop a 0.3 MtH2 project, starting exports by 2026. The Partners for Growth Programme of the European Union’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Southern Africa assessed the potential of hydrogen exports, including potential volumes, costs, and markets (Roos and Wright, 2021). As a result, a feasibility study to assess the potential of Boegoebaai as an export hub for green hydrogen and ammonia was announced in October 2021. This would complement industrial activity in the region and justify the construction of the port, which is currently under assessment

Hydrogen Africa

 

 

 

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