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- Africa expands focus from hydrogen exports to industrial use
Africa expands focus from hydrogen exports to industrial use
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 | Namibia’s green steel producer HyIron has signed an agreement with the national government and Japan’s Toyota Tsusho Corporation to advance a sustainable green iron and steel value chain. The move reflects a growing trend in Africa, where countries see hydrogen as a catalyst for industrial decarbonisation rather than just an export. |
Global pressure to decarbonise the steel sector could push Africa to channel hydrogen into green steel, scaling manufacturing growth and economic diversification.
The Namibia project will be a test whether Africa can overcome infrastructure and energy constraints to build hydrogen-based heavy industry beyond pilot projects.
Our take: Africa’s pivot from pure hydrogen exports to domestic industrial applications shows the continent is aiming to turn climate ambition into tangible economic growth……..Read more (2 min)
 | An experimental invention developed by researchers from Australia’s RMIT University could transform wastewater into a valuable resource for green hydrogen production. Unlike conventional methods, which require purified water, this innovation leverages the contaminants in wastewater to boost hydrogen generation. |
With an estimated 80% of global wastewater discharged untreated, this innovation offers an opportunity to transform an environmental liability into a valuable resource.
The technology is particularly relevant for Africa, where reliance on desalination increases production costs, impacting the feasibility of green hydrogen projects.
Our take: RMIT’s technology demonstrates that innovation and circularity can go hand in hand……. Read more (2 min)
 | A new report by DECHEMA, a German scientific and technical society, emphasises the need for Namibia to scale up desalination infrastructure. As the Koichab Pan aquifer, a key water source, is projected to be exhausted by 2026, the report warns that without urgent investment, hydrogen exports could clash with local water needs. |
Electrolysis requires significant volumes of purified water, yet most hydrogen projects are planned in arid regions where freshwater is already scarce.
Without desalination, many projects risk competing with households and other industries for limited water supplies, raising social tensions and undermining political goodwill.
Our take: Ensuring fair access to desalinated water will be the ultimate test of Africa’s hydrogen ambitions….. Read more (2 min)
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Aerial view of a green hydrogen refueling station pilot project in Walvis Bay, Namibia
Events
🗓️ Network at the Global African Hydrogen Summit in Namibia (September 9)
🗓️ Attend the Hydrogen-Africa Conference & Expo in South Africa (September 16)
🗓️ Participate in the Forum on Financing Green Hydrogen in Egypt (September 17)
🗓️ Register for the World Power-to-X Summit in Morocco (October 1)
🗓️ Sign up for the 3rd Hydrogen in Africa conference in Egypt (October 28)
Jobs
🧕 Be the next Senior Business Developer at HDF Energy (South Africa)
🧕 Work as a Senior Business Developer at HDF Energy (Namibia
🧕 Lead research for Hydrogen SA and CO2 Capture at CSIR (South Africa)
🧕 Serve as BMI’s Power and Energy Transition Expert (South Africa)
🧕 Manage project finances at AMEA Power (South Africa)
Various
⏯️ Watch “Road to Namibia II” on the upcoming Global African Hydrogen Summit
🗓️ North African green steel expected to soon be in demand in the EU
🗽South African minister advocates for just energy transition
🏃 Report: Methanol and ammonia progressing rapidly as zero-emission shipping fuels
🤝 Algeria and Kuwait partner to promote green hydrogen development
Seen on LinkedIn
Africa Hydrogen Hub (AHH) says, “Hydrogen has been promoted as a revolutionary fuel for 50 years, yet usage is confined to oil refining and fertilizer production. For hydrogen to advance global decarbonization, many barriers must be overcome.”