GAEC develops local technology to produce hydrogen from water

The Head of Mechanical Workshop at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission (GAEC), Dr Andrew Nyamful, has revealed that the Commission has developed a technology for producing hydrogen using locally made electrolyzers.

He said the team has been working on the technology as part of efforts to develop homegrown engineering solutions that can support Ghana’s energy needs and reduce dependence on imported technology.

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Speaking in an interview on GhanaWeb TV, Dr Andrew Nyamful said the Commission has been able to develop electrolyzers that can be used to produce hydrogen from water.

“We are even able to produce electrolyzers for hydrogen production,” he said.

According to him, Ghana has several water bodies that could provide a resource for hydrogen production if the right technology is developed and deployed.

“We have a lot of water bodies in the nation which we don't make use of. So we can convert them, you know, we can easily use them to produce hydrogen gas,” he stated.

Nyamful explained that the development of the technology did not come easily, as the team had to go through several stages of research and practical testing before gaining a better understanding of how the system works.

He also said there were periods when the project nearly stalled because of the difficulties involved in working with hydrogen.

“I read much about it, went through it practically and then at a point I nearly stopped,” he said.

He explained that the team encountered challenges during the process because hydrogen is a gas and requires careful handling.

“You will be working on it and then all of a sudden the thing will go off. You see, it's a gas,” he said.

Dr Nyamful said the experience eventually helped the team understand the technology better and improve the system through continuous research and practical work.

“Although you read, not all the secrets will be revealed in the books. You'll find out as you go on,” he stated.

According to him, the team has now gained enough knowledge to develop electrolyzers of different sizes depending on the intended use.

“Now we have the technology. We can build any kind to produce any form, be it small or big. We understand the principle from A to Z,” he said.

He said the development forms part of broader efforts to promote locally developed technologies and support industrialisation through practical engineering.

Dr Nyamful added that the team is ready to continue developing technologies that can contribute to Ghana’s industrial and energy development.

“We are ready to support what Professor Frimpong wanted to do to make sure that our nation develops,” he said.

ANAS/MA

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