How North African Hydrogen Revolution Could Create 100,000 New Jobs by 2050

North Africa is on the verge of becoming a key player in the global green hydrogen market, with the potential to reshape its energy systems and economy.

As Europe searches for alternatives to fossil fuels amid the ongoing energy crisis, countries like Morocco and Egypt are in a strong position to use their renewable energy resources.

By 2050, North Africa could become a major exporter of green hydrogen, with an estimated annual market value of $110 billion, according to a recent report.

Green hydrogen is produced by using renewable electricity, often generated from solar or wind power, to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.

This process does not create carbon emissions, making it a cleaner option compared to traditional hydrogen production methods that rely on fossil fuels.

Currently, less than one percent of hydrogen produced worldwide qualifies as “green,” but demand is increasing due to growing concerns about climate change and government policies promoting clean energy.

North Africa’s potential in green hydrogen is promising because of its abundant solar and wind resources. Morocco, for instance, has large, untapped wind energy resources to complement its existing solar projects.

HAVE YOU READ?

PowerGen’s $120M Plan to Light Up 300,000 Lives Across Africa With Clean Energy

Similarly, Egypt has the advantage of an established network of natural gas pipelines that could be repurposed to transport hydrogen, making it a likely major exporter to Europe by 2050.

Investing in green hydrogen infrastructure could create jobs in areas like renewable energy production, engineering, and transportation.

This could help address unemployment issues in North African countries, where economic opportunities are often limited. Additionally, moving away from fossil fuels could improve air quality and reduce health problems caused by pollution.

Green hydrogen also has the potential to reduce emissions in industries that heavily rely on fossil fuels. For example, it could be used in ammonia production to replace traditional methods that depend on coal or natural gas, leading to cleaner fertilizer production, which is a key industry in the region.

Despite this potential, there are challenges to overcome. Infrastructure for producing, transporting, and storing green hydrogen is still underdeveloped in many parts of North Africa.

Significant investments are needed to adapt existing natural gas pipelines and build new facilities for hydrogen production and distribution.

Moreover, regulatory frameworks must be put in place to support the hydrogen supply chain, ensuring that investments are secure and projects can move forward without unnecessary delays.

International partnerships will be crucial for addressing these challenges. As European countries seek low-carbon energy imports, working together with North African nations can provide the necessary investments and technology to develop large-scale green hydrogen projects.

This collaboration could lead to a more integrated energy market between Europe and North Africa, benefiting both regions economically while advancing global sustainability efforts.

Development of green hydrogen in North Africa offers a chance to transform the region’s energy landscape while addressing economic challenges.

By using its renewable energy resources for hydrogen production, North Africa can improve energy security, create employment opportunities, and play a role in the global fight against climate change.

With the right partnerships and solutions to existing barriers, the region could establish itself as a leader in clean energy production and export on a global level.