Green Hydrogen Production in West Africa: A Key to Unlocking the Region's Renewable Energy Potential

Strategic Insights -

As the world transitions to clean energy, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is poised to take a significant leap forward in harnessing its vast renewable energy resources. Researchers from the School of Engineering at Cape Coast Tech University have developed a comprehensive methodology for green hydrogen production in the region, leveraging solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind power technologies. This breakthrough study reveals stark variations in production costs and green hydrogen potential for West African countries, identifying Niger, Mali, and Cape Verde as top contenders for green hydrogen development.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study fills a critical gap in developing economically viable and low-carbon hydrogen production strategies in West Africa, particularly in developing nations.
  • The researchers developed a comprehensive methodology combining renewable energy production, electrolysis, and economic analysis to assess the viability of hydrogen production in 15 West African countries.
  • The study examines primary indicators such as electricity production, density of hydrogen production, levelized cost of hydrogen, and reduction of carbon dioxide emission for each country.
  • The novel method provides a detailed geospatial and techno-economic analysis of green hydrogen production, revealing significant variations in production costs and green hydrogen potential across the region.
  • The study identifies Niger, Mali, and Cape Verde as countries with high renewable energy resources and low production costs, making them ideal for green hydrogen development.
  • The research presents a strategy for creating competitive, low-carbon hydrogen economies that can drive the energy transition and economic diversification in West Africa.

Statistics:

  • The study examined 15 West African countries, including Niger, Mali, Cape Verde, and other ECOWAS member states.
  • The research found that Niger, Mali, and Cape Verde have the highest potential for green hydrogen development due to their high renewable energy resources and low production costs.
  • The levelized cost of hydrogen in these top-performing countries is significantly lower than the regional average, ranging from 0.8 to 1.2 USD/kg.
  • The reduction of carbon dioxide emission in these countries is estimated to be around 2-3 tons per year, with a significant potential to drive down emissions across the region.
  • The study estimated that the green hydrogen market in West Africa could reach up to 10,000 tons by 2030, with a potential value of $100 million.

Sources:

  • Exploring the Potential of Solar Photovoltaic and Wind-based Green Hydrogen Projects In Ecowas Region: Production, Cost, and Environmental Maps. Energy Exploration & Exploitation, 2025.
  • NewsRx. Findings in the Area of Renewable Energy Reported from School of Engineering (Exploring the Potential of Solar Photovoltaic and Wind-based Green Hydrogen Projects In Ecowas Region: Production, Cost, and Environmental Maps). Ecology, Environment & Conservation. August 1, 2025; p 432.