Energizing Africa’s Sustainable Future
As part of the global fight against climate change and the need to reduce carbon emissions, Africa is making real advances with innovative energy solutions. Morocco and Namibia are leading the way – two countries with an abundance of sunshine and wind, both of which are being recognized for their ambitious solar and green hydrogen projects. These initiatives are transforming their domestic energy markets, and make them promising candidates for joining the international market for clean energy.
Morocco: Using Solar Energy to Power the World
Morocco’s deserts and abundance of sunshine gives rise to solar energy opportunities. One of them is the Xlinks project, which includes building a substantial solar and wind farm of 10.5 GW in the Guelmim-Oued Noun area. The renewables will be transmitted to the UK via a subsea cable of almost 3,800 km long, which could meet up to 8 % of electricity demand in Britain. The expected operational date for this project will be in 2030. It should bring significant domestic investment in infrastructure and jobs, as well as the UK, as it represents opportunities for energy sustainability.
In addition to its use of solar energy, Morocco is getting into green hydrogen. TotalEnergies launched an interesting renewable energy initiative within Morocco that will produce hydrogen and ammonia for export to Europe. As a part of this project, TotalEnergies will develop 1 GW of wind and solar farms in the same area, with the plan to produce 200,000 metric tons of ammonia per year from hydrogen created by renewable electricity from desalinated seawater.
Namibia: Leading Green Hydrogen Development in Africa
Namibia is poised to gain prominence and be a leader in green hydrogen production with ample solar and wind energy potential. The Hyphen Hydrogen Energy project is taking a lead in this effort, and is located in the picturesque Tsau Khaeb National Park- the country’s flagship project. The $9.4 billion project expects to produce 300,000 tonnes of green hydrogen a year by 2026. It is expected to create 15,000 jobs during the construction phase and around 3,000 permanent jobs, with more than 90% of the jobs going to local Namibians.
Namibia’s ambitious green hydrogen strategy, launched at COP27, aims for a production target of 10-12 million tonnes per year by 2050. The government has already secured €30 million in grant funding from Germany to get pilot projects going, and is rapidly working with international partners to build the necessary infrastructure—namely desalination plants and electrolyzers, as well as improvements to the ports of Lüderitz and Walvis Bay.
Conclusion: A Platform for Sustainable Development
Morocco and Namibia are demonstrating how innovative thinking and collaboration can be utilized to develop solutions at a global level through natural resources. By investing in solar energy and green hydrogen, these countries are addressing local energy issues and simultaneously providing a sustainable plan for the planet. These examples remind us that a clean energy future is not just a vision; it is under development.
