The Ambiguous Future of Hydrogen: Nigeria's Potential in the Global Market
Key Ideas
- Global annual demand for hydrogen expected to increase from 70 to 200 million tonnes by 2030, with major consumption in oil refining, ammonia, methanol production, and metallurgy.
- Hydrogen faces criticism for residential heating and vehicle use safety concerns, but recognized for industry decarbonisation, power sector, and large-capacity transportation.
- Nigeria, with vast natural gas reserves, aims to lead in hydrogen production and create a competitive domestic and global hydrogen market, focusing on low-carbon solutions.
- Advanced technologies such as dense metallic membranes, particularly palladium alloys, are crucial for hydrogen purification, storage, and transportation for various industries.
The article explores the evolving landscape of hydrogen utilization globally, focusing on the projected increase in demand and its significant role in various industries such as oil refining, ammonia, methanol production, and metallurgy. Despite facing criticisms regarding safety and efficiency concerns in residential heating and transportation, hydrogen is acknowledged for its potential in decarbonizing industries and serving as an alternative fuel in large-capacity transportation. Nigeria, as a leader in natural gas reserves, is positioned to play a key role in the development of the hydrogen market, emphasizing low-carbon solutions. Advanced technologies like dense metallic membranes, specifically palladium alloys, are highlighted for their critical role in hydrogen purification, storage, and transportation. The article also emphasizes the importance of creating a competitive hydrogen market in Nigeria through the development of a comprehensive strategy, technological infrastructure, global standards implementation, and fostering human resources and innovations balancing economic efficiency and environmental considerations.