When did you first hear about hydrogen? Chances are, it was in a chemistry class—an introduction to the periodic table’s lightest element, known for its abundance.
However, hydrogen is rarely found in isolation, so it has to be produced. For instance, it pairs with oxygen to form water, hence the formula H20. Hydrogen is a key input in fertilisers and refineries.
What does it look like? In its normal state, it is odourless and colourless.
As extreme weather events accelerate and the urgency of climate action intensifies, clean energy advocates are turning their attention to hydrogen’s environmental potential, particularly green hydrogen. Unlike grey hydrogen, which is derived from fossil fuels like natural gas and is the most common form in use today, green hydrogen is produced by splitting water molecules using renewable electricity, emitting no carbon dioxide in the process.
“Green hydrogen has the potential to be a game-changer for Eastern Africa’s energy transition and industrial future,” said Alex Wachira, Ministry of Energy and Petroleum PS. “This symposium is a step towards building regional consensus, unlocking investment, and fostering inclusive growth.”
He was speaking at the just concluded inaugural Eastern Africa Regional Green Hydrogen Symposium co-hosted by the governments of Kenya and Germany in partnership with the East African Centre of Excellence for Renewable Energy and Efficiency (EACREEE). Stakeholders discussed the role of green hydrogen in industrial transformation and climate-smart development.
In his keynote speech, Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi emphasised that for green hydrogen to be truly transformative, it must be embedded within a broader vision of sustainable development across Africa.
“For green hydrogen to succeed, it must be part of a broader vision for a resilient, industrial, and sustainable Africa,” Mr Wandayi said.
Right policies
The CS opined that with the right policies, partnerships and infrastructure, green hydrogen can support clean manufacturing, enable production of sustainable fertilisers, fuel clean transport—including shipping and aviation—and drive regional energy integration. Its development, he said, is also expected to generate significant employment opportunities, especially for youth and women, while helping the continent meet its development and climate targets.
In 2023, Kenya launched the Green Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap and established guidelines for the development of green hydrogen and its derivatives.
Sebastian Groth, the German Ambassador to Kenya, Somalia, and the Seychelles, affirmed Germany’s commitment to advancing a green hydrogen economy in the region.
“Germany is proud to support Eastern Africa’s journey toward a green hydrogen economy,” said Ambassador Groth. “Our partnership reflects a shared commitment to sustainable energy, climate resilience, and innovation.”
Germany launched its Climate and Development Partnership with Kenya in 2022, through which it is helping develop a green hydrogen value chain focused on local fertiliser production. The country has committed over €120 million (approximately Sh17 billion) in concessional financing and grants to support the establishment of a 100 megawatt green hydrogen facility by KenGen. A fertiliser production plant, to be developed by the private sector, will complement this investment.
Currently, Germany’s ongoing financial support in Kenya’s energy sector totals €160 million (Sh23 billion), with technical assistance projects valued at over €60 million (Sh9 billion).
Through GIZ, Germany’s international cooperation agency, technical support is being directed toward capacity building, policy development, and business incubation. GIZ is collaborating with EACREEE, which is conducting a regional baseline study on green hydrogen. The study aims to map the current development landscape and identify viable opportunities for green hydrogen value chains and cross-border trade within Eastern Africa.
According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), the current global hydrogen production, roughly 75 million tonnes annually, is almost entirely derived from fossil fuels, resulting in 830 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions each year. Transitioning to green hydrogen could drastically reduce these emissions, experts say.
However, there are limitations. The primary challenge lies in the high cost of production, driven by the expense of electrolysers and renewable power. Additionally, the lack of adequate infrastructure for production, storage, and distribution remains a significant barrier to scale.
Despite these challenges, proponents anticipate that technological advancements and economies of scale will bring down costs, making green hydrogen increasingly viable. However, a coordinated effort between governments, industries, and research institutions will be essential to unlock its full potential.
“Green hydrogen development in Eastern Africa is about more than energy. It’s about green industrial growth, food security, job creation, and climate resilience,” added Ambassador Groth. “Our collaboration with Kenya and the wider region is rooted in the belief that sustainable development must be both inclusive and ambitious.”
