A recent study titled “Evaluation of Water/Energy Intensity of Green Hydrogen Production Plants in Africa” has been published under the ONEPlanET and JUST-GREEN AFRH2ICA initiatives, offering new insights into the sustainability and feasibility of green hydrogen development across the continent.
Led by researchers from the Thermochemical Power Group at the University of Genoa, the study focuses on Kenya, Mali, and South Africa—three countries with strong renewable energy potential and growing interest in green hydrogen as part of their energy transition strategies.
The research provides a comprehensive analysis of the technical, economic, and environmental dimensions of green hydrogen production, specifically through 1 MW-scale electrolysis powered by local solar photovoltaic systems.
Key findings from the study include:
- Evaluation of hydrogen production using different water sources, including groundwater, surface water, and seawater
- Analysis of land requirements, water consumption, and the Levelized Cost of Hydrogen (LCOH)
- Exploration of potential trade-offs with agricultural land and food production within the Water-Energy-Food (WEF) Nexus
- Recommendations for optimizing resource use while ensuring environmental and social sustainability
By integrating WEF Nexus thinking into green hydrogen planning, the study contributes valuable data and analysis to support policy and investment decisions. It highlights the importance of balancing innovation with resource equity, particularly in regions where land and water are already under pressure.
The findings serve as a resource for governments, investors, and researchers working to ensure that Africa’s energy transition is not only clean but also inclusive and grounded in local realities.
Read the full publication to explore the detailed methodology, data, and implications of this important research.
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1742-6596/2893/1/012074