Can green hydrogen and e-fuels pave the way for a just energy transition in Africa? Earlier this month, the ONEPlanET project took center stage at the NEST-LEAP 2025 event in Genova, Italy, to answer this very question.
Hosted by the Polytechnic School of the Università degli Studi di Genova, the NEST-LEAP (Network for Energy Sustainable Transition – Low Emission Advanced Power) workshop brought together global experts to discuss the future of clean energy. As a project rooted in the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus, ONEPlanET’s participation highlighted how integrated research is essential for moving Africa toward a sustainable, low-carbon future.
Bridging the Gap: Research in Action
Represented by Brenda Insonne (RINA) and Massimo Rivarolo (Università degli Studi di Genova), with Dr. Chiara Anfosso in attendance, the ONEPlanET team presented groundbreaking research through a specialized poster session.
The focus of the showcase was the evaluation of water-energy-food intensity for e-fuels and green fertilizer synthesis, specifically tailored to the South African context.
Why This Research Matters for Africa
In many parts of Africa, the push for green hydrogen is not just about energy—it’s about survival and self-sufficiency. Our presentation explored:
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Sustainable Fertilizers: How green hydrogen can be used to synthesize green fertilizers, reducing dependence on imports and strengthening food security.
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The Water Factor: Evaluating the “water intensity” of e-fuel production to ensure that energy innovations do not compete with local communities for vital water resources.
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Just Transition: Using integrated research to ensure that new energy pathways reduce socio-economic gaps rather than widening them.
Global Forums, Local Impact
Participation in prestigious forums like NEST-LEAP is a core pillar of the ONEPlanET mission. By engaging with the international scientific community, we:
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Strengthen Partnerships: Building bridges between European research excellence and African regional needs.
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Empower Stakeholders: Providing African policymakers and investors with data-backed tools to make informed decisions.
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Advance the WEF Nexus: Proving that energy solutions must be evaluated alongside water and food systems to be truly sustainable.
“Fostering dialogue at events like NEST-LEAP allows us to refine the ONEPlanET Toolkit, ensuring it remains a world-class resource for the African energy transition.”
Stay Updated
The insights gathered in Genova will feed directly into our ongoing case studies and the development of the ONEPlanET Knowledge Hub.
Explore our latest research papers and blog updates here.
About the Partners
This collaboration was made possible through the expertise of RINA Consulting and the Thermochemical Power Group (TPG) at the University of Genoa, two of the 11 multidisciplinary partners driving the ONEPlanET project forward.