Deputy Energy Minister, Collins Adomako-Mensah
Deputy Energy Minister, Collins Adomako-Mensah, has emphasized the significant potential and challenges of green hydrogen development in sub-saharan Africa.
Speaking at a symposium themed "The Future of Green Hydrogen in Sub-Saharan Africa: The Role of Communication Technology and Higher Educational Institutions," Mr. Adomako-Mensah outlined the strategic importance of green hydrogen for the continent's clean energy future.
The symposium highlighted the interplay of factors essential for the future of clean energy, particularly in Africa.
"Green hydrogen, produced from renewable energy sources like solar power, presents a transformative opportunity," he said.
Mr. Adomako-Mensah acknowledged the economic production challenges of green hydrogen but stressed the immense potential for regions such as Africa.
"The potential for producing green hydrogen in high-sunbelt regions, including Africa, is enormous, and the benefits are multiple," he stated.
The emerging green hydrogen industry is expected to boost the development of renewable energy sectors like wind, solar, and hydropower, the deputy energy minister added.
This, in turn, will address power access issues, attract investments, and contribute significantly to emission reduction goals, he noted.
Mr. Adomako-Mensah highlighted Ghana’s commitment to a strategic framework allowing a paced energy transition.
He noted that despite limited resources compared to developed nations, Ghana is dedicated to exploring various sources for economically harnessing hydrogen for both domestic development and export.
By 2030, Ghana aims to achieve a 10% increase in renewable energy installed capacity within its national energy mix, aligning with commitments under the Paris Agreement.
The Deputy Minister showcased ongoing projects, such as the 106 MW installed solar capacity and the VRA Kaleo Phase II project, which has increased the total installed capacity to 13 MW.
Further initiatives include a 200 MW solar park by the Volta River Authority and the Scaling Up Renewable Energy Programme, targeting an additional 68 MW by 2025.
He also acknowledged collaboration with the German government under the Ghana Go Solar project, which aims to deliver 22 MW of installed solar capacity to public buildings, reducing national grid consumption and public sector debt to power utilities.
Adomako-Mensah underscored the broader implications of green hydrogen, noting the 2027 launch of a $562 billion energy transition framework at Sharm El Sheikh.
The framework sets ambitious goals for renewable energy capacity and the electrification of road vehicles by 2045, aiming for a significant reduction in carbon emissions.
He called for continued partnerships in research and development, particularly in green hydrogen production, emphasizing the need for higher educational institutions and research centers to contribute to these efforts.
The P-Plant Centre for Industrial Research and Innovation at the Ghana Communication Technology University (GCTU) was commended for its pioneering work in green hydrogen technologies, including electrolysis, renewable energy integration, and hydrogen storage.
In conclusion, Adomako-Mensah expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from development partners like GIC of Germany and called for stronger capacity development and investment ties to achieve a climate-resilient, sustainable future.
He voiced confidence that the symposium's shared knowledge would propel innovation and promote the green hydrogen sector in Ghana and beyond.
Prof. Amevi Acakpovi, the Acting Vice-Chancellor of Accra Technical University, delivered a compelling address on the opportunities and challenges of green hydrogen at the symposium.
