Decarbonization, Energy Transition and Climate Change Mitigation in Africa : Unpacking the Potential of Hydrogen

As the world is increasingly concerned about decarbonizing the energy (electricity) industry and accelerating the global transition from fossil-fuel energy to cleaner energy sources, with the consequential expected result of overall greenhouse gas emissions reduction and climate change mitigation, it is extremely critical to assess the crucial state and role of hydrogen as a transition fuel in achieving these objectives. Notably, natural gas was historically considered as the transition fuel given its rather low carbon footprints compared to coal and crude oil. However, hydrogen is recently touted as the next big next thing and a better and cleaner transition fuel in this energy transitional era. The scientific and chemical processes for manufacturing and production of hydrogen often determine the clean nature or otherwise of hydrogen. Crucially, economic conditions and political circumstances often largely impact the policy commitment to financing and investment in greener energy sources (including hydrogen projects). Based on the foregoing, this article comprehensively assesses the scientific processes, legal and policy issues, financing costs and risk assessment of hydrogen projects, being the next transition fuel and considers how the development of hydrogen projects aligns with the overall objectives of global decarbonization, energy transition and climate change mitigation, particularly within the context of Africa. Given the increasing policy and legislative attention on hydrogen in developed economies, the author examines the current and developing legal framework for hydrogen projects in the United States, highlighting relevant recommendations for the development of hydrogen projects in Africa. Ultimately, it is hoped that this article will serve as a comprehensive guide to investors, financiers and policy makers in i) its assessment of current issues associated with hydrogen projects, ii) analysis of its immense potential and contribution to the net-zero journey within Africa and iii) the development of a comprehensive legal and liability framework for massive development of hydrogen projects in Africa