German energy investment firm, Emerging Energy Corp (EEC), announced that it is seeking a partner to conduct a green hydrogen feasibility study in Niger. The announcement follows an agreement signed between the government of Niger and EEC for a green hydrogen commercial plan in February 2022 \u2013 with talks initially starting at African Energy Week (AEW) in 2021 -, and is considered the next step towards developing a competitive hydrogen market in Niger.<\/p>\n
According to EEC, the company is looking for a qualified partner, experienced in planning and technical and economic feasibility studies, who will be responsible for the study as well as the examination of the potential market itself. The study will take place in stages, the first of which comprises the analysis, identification and recommendation of site and the levelized cost of hydrogen; and the second, the analysis of a pilot project that assesses the next steps in the project, with the partner recommending a timeline as well as criteria for development.<\/p>\n
With EEC now seeking an independent firm to conduct the study, Niger\u2019s abundant, untapped renewable energy potential coupled with the country\u2019s strategic location and proximity to European markets present an opportunity for the west African energy market to strengthen its position as both a regional and international energy hub whilst addressing domestic energy issues. With only 19.5% of Niger\u2019s population having access to electricity, the project will help boost the government\u2019s electrification efforts while driving industrialization through improved energy supply to critical industries as well as job creation and GDP growth.<\/p>\n
Not only will the development of a green hydrogen market progress Niger\u2019s energy market expansion but will position west Africa as the next big frontier for low-cost green hydrogen production. Other hydrogen developments across the region further consolidate west Africa\u2019s position as a future green hydrogen hub with neighboring Mauritania ahead in the game and Nigeria in the process of developing its own green hydrogen policy.<\/p>\n
In addition, Niger\u2019s green hydrogen boom, set to generate significant revenue for the country, will enable capital allocation for a number of projects across the entire energy sector. In this regard, Niger could see massive, self-generated investments pouring into the oil, gas and renewable sectors, supporting the development of new projects as well as the expansion of existing ones.<\/p>\n
The African Energy Chamber (AEC), as the voice of the African energy sector, welcomes the move by Niger and EEC to accelerate the country\u2019s green hydrogen revolution, recognizing the role hydrogen will play in Africa\u2019s energy future. Green hydrogen, as a largely untapped, yet high opportune market, will not only accelerate energy access, job creation and sustainable socioeconomic growth, but will position Niger at the forefront of Africa\u2019s energy transition.<\/p>\n
\u201cGreen hydrogen presents an opportunity for both Niger and Africa to diversify the energy mix and make energy poverty history by 2030. The Chamber is pleased with Niger joining the growing lists of African countries, including South Africa, Namibia, Egypt and Mauritania, entering the global green hydrogen race,\u201d states NJ Ayuk, the Executive Chairman of the AEC, adding that \u201cGreen hydrogen has significant potential in Africa, and it is a welcoming sign to see particularly lucrative markets such as Niger take the steps towards developing an industry. It is time for Africa to define its own energy transition and green hydrogen can play a critical role. This year\u2019s edition of the AEW conference will continue with the discussion around how Africa can address green hydrogen market challenges whilst embracing energy transition opportunities. We hope to see more deals such as the EEC-Niger partnership signed.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"