China and Nigeria Collaborate on Green Hydrogen Project in Akwa Ibom State
Key Ideas
  • China and Nigeria signed a €7.6bn agreement to develop a green hydrogen project in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria.
  • The project in Liberty Free Trade Zero aims to produce 1.2 million tonnes of green hydrogen-based methanol annually for export.
  • Nigerian officials see this initiative as a significant step towards decarbonisation, economic diversification, job creation, and environmental sustainability.
  • Despite Africa's hydrogen ambitions, regulatory gaps and lack of final investment decisions remain challenges for hydrogen projects on the continent.
Representatives from China and Nigeria have come together to collaborate on a green hydrogen project in Nigeria's Akwa Ibom State. The €7.6bn agreement involves developing the project within the Liberty Free Trade Zero (LFTZ) at Atabrikang in the Ibeno Local Government Area. The initiative, signed in Uyo, involves Federal Government representatives, APPL Hydrogen Limited (AHL), and China’s LONGi Green Energy Technology. The project aims to produce 1.2 million tonnes of green hydrogen-based methanol annually for export, along with medical oxygen and food-grade CO2. The Chief Visionary Officer of AHL, Idara Ekpo, highlighted the potential benefits of the project, while Nigerian Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, emphasized its importance in the nation's decarbonisation journey. Alhaji Bamange Usman Jada, the Managing Director of the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Authority, also praised the project for its potential to diversify the economy, boost exports, create jobs, promote technology transfer, and maintain environmental sustainability. However, challenges remain for hydrogen projects in Africa. Despite the growing interest in hydrogen, regulatory gaps and the lack of final investment decisions have hindered progress. The Energy Industries Council (EIC) highlighted the need for reliable offtake agreements, a robust regulatory framework, and resilient infrastructure to facilitate the development of hydrogen projects on the continent. The collaboration between China and Nigeria signifies a positive step towards green energy development in Africa, showcasing the potential for economic growth, environmental responsibility, and international cooperation.
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