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Green hydrogen in Africa: balancing energy ambitions with water realities

A recent webinar explored the opportunities and challenges facing Africa’s green hydrogen market.

Green hydrogen is an important means for Africa to position itself as a frontrunner in the renewable energy transition. However, one critical challenge remains: water. Producing hydrogen requires large volumes of purified water, raising concerns in water-scarce regions of the continent.

This webinar, hosted by ESI Africa, was moderated by Aisha Suleiman and featured two leading voices in Southern Africa’s hydrogen space – Shawn Modise, Acting CEO of the Northern Cape Economic Development, Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (NCEDA) and Dr Zivayi Chiguvare of the University of Namibia, Acting Director of the Namibian Green Hydrogen Institute.

Water desalination

Chiguvare explained that producing green hydrogen demands significant amounts of fresh water. Despite Namibia’s limited freshwater resources, but ample sunlight, the country has invested in large-scale desalination to purify seawater for hydrogen use. Namibia is home to one of the largest desalination plants in Southern Africa, which plays a central role in its green hydrogen strategy.

Did you know? it takes 9 litres of water to produce 1.1kg of green hydrogen. If ocean water is used instead, the amount of water needed can tripple

Sustainability

Modise emphasised that in South Africa’s Northern Cape, NCEDA focuses on finding sustainable pathways when producing green hydrogen. Because the Northern Cape faces water scarcity, NCEDA is oversizing desalination capacity to meet industrial demands and provide safe, affordable water to surrounding communities

“Even in the hydrogen economy, the circular economy exists so that there is no waste of the water resources,” remarked moderator Aisha Suleiman, Green Hydrogen Advocate, Policy Writer, and Energy Access Communicator.

Modise explained that NCEDA protects marine life from brine disposal, a by-product of desalination. The brine is repurposed to extract chlorine, which is then sold to European markets.

This webinar showcased the active role Namibia and South Africa are playing in pioneering green hydrogen, demonstrating that even water-scarce regions can lead the way with the right strategies.

Watch the full webinar The Hydrogen Water Connection