A study instigated by the German Federal Ministry for Education and Research, "Potential Atlas Green Hydrogen," has shown immense potential for a partnership between Germany and West Africa.

According to the study, West Africa has a production potential of up to 165,000 terawatt-hours of green hydrogen per year. This is about 1,500 times Germany's hydrogen demand assumed for 2030 in the National Hydrogen Strategy.

In other words, the energy is enough to cover Germany's electricity needs 300 times over, Kallanish is told by the ministry. It aims to launch the first pilot projects in Africa this year, including a Green Hydrogen Summit to be organised in Togo.

The first results for the 15 countries that make up the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) show that three quarters of the land area of West Africa is suitable for wind turbines. The electricity production costs are only about half of the comparable costs in Germany. In addition, photovoltaic systems can be operated economically on about one-third of the country's surface.

With this availability of wind and solar energy, West Africa could produce up to 165,000 TWh of green hydrogen annually, the German ministry states. Of these 165,000 TWh, 120,000 TWh could already be produced for less than €2.50/kilogram, according to the Potential Atlas. For comparison: in Germany, green hydrogen currently still costs around €7-10/kg. The feasibility study takes into account a considerate and sustainable use of resources when calculating generation potentials, the ministry notes.