A Techno-Economic Analysis Of Green Hydrogen Energy Production in West Africa

Abstract

In most of the south global, renewable energy technology development and investment represents serious challenges. This study analysed the prospects of green hydrogen generation in five West African countries namely: Ghana, Nigeria, Mali, Niger and Senegal. with a focus on its potential as an energy export. The study first, reviewed the current state of hydrogen generation and consumption globally, along with the energy landscape in West Africa. It explored the possibilities and obstacles for low-carbon hydrogen production in the study countries, including access to electricity, and water, the availability of renewable energy sources, government support, and technological advancements. With a quantitative mythology approach, this study concluded that the five countries hold substantial promise for green hydrogen production and that these countries could become major green energy producers and exporters in the region. Despite this promising outlook, the paper also identifies several challenges that need to be addressed to fully harness the potential of hydrogen generation in Ghana, Nigeria, Mali, Niger and Senegal. These include the non-financial viability of green hydrogen energy generation, the high cost of technology, the need for significant investment in infrastructure and research, and the need for supportive policy frameworks and regulatory frameworks. Overall, the study suggests that hydrogen production and export could provide significant opportunities for economic expansion and sustainable development in these countries. However, realizing this potential will need a coordinated effort from countries, private sector actors, and international partners, to address the challenges and seize the opportunities of a hydrogen-based energy transition.