The Federal Government is accelerating its transition to a green economy through various renewable energy projects, including initiatives in hydrogen energy, according to the Minister of Environment, Balarabe Lawal. The minister made this known during the Global Africa Hydrogen Summit and Clean Energy Maximisation event held in Namibia.
Lawal emphasized that Nigeria’s focus on harnessing hydrogen energy could generate significant foreign exchange revenue and position the country as a regional hub for green hydrogen production and export. Additionally, he highlighted the use of blue hydrogen derived from natural gas for domestic energy needs.
“The green energy project will allow Nigeria to capitalize on its abundant resources, including solar, wind, water, and hydroelectric power, as well as its vast market potential,” Lawal stated.
Addressing the energy crisis Nigeria faces, the minister reiterated the country’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2060, a pledge made as a signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) during COP 26 in Glasgow.
“With this pledge, significant efforts have been made to transition to a green economy through renewable projects, particularly hydrogen energy initiatives,” Lawal said. He also emphasized that energy access solutions developed through these projects would allow Nigeria to emerge as a leader in hydrogen technology and innovation, driving advancements in clean energy that boost economic development.
The green energy transition is also expected to create jobs, particularly for youths and women, who are disproportionately affected by the impacts of climate change. According to Lawal, the goal is to lift approximately 100 million Nigerians out of poverty by focusing on renewable energy, including hydrogen, and addressing job losses resulting from decarbonization in the oil sector.
In collaboration with international partners, Nigeria is already making strides. Lawal revealed that a U.S.-based company, FuelCell Energy, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Oando Clean Energy Limited (OCEL) for the development of a large-scale green hydrogen power plant. The plant, which will have a capacity of 5MW to 15MW, will benefit from FuelCell Energy’s fuel cell and electrolyzer technology, with the potential addition of carbon capture and sequestration capabilities.
Furthermore, the Kaduna State Government, in partnership with the Government of Qatar, is proposing the installation of a $350 million hydrogen plant in Kaduna State, a move that further solidifies Nigeria’s growing influence in the African hydrogen economy.
