The global energy transition is an instrumental enabler in achieving climate action on climate change towards the Paris Agreement. Nigeria and Germany who have been diplomatic partners for 50 years have seen major milestones and achievements in crucial areas. Through this cooperation, the energy sector is benefitting and developing new prospects for Nigeria's decarbonised future.
On the 13th of November, 2023, the German-Nigerian Hydrogen Office, with support from the German Foreign Office and GIZ Nigeria (GmbH), hosted the 2nd German-Nigerian Symposium on Green Hydrogen to spur Germany and Nigeria's low-carbon hydrogen sector through joint knowledge sharing, collaboration, and exploring opportunities. During the event, we were representative from the Revamp Rave Network, alongside a distinguished member of the RRN Third Cohort Alumni, who had been awarded an internship scholarship with Environews.
The meeting held at the Tsukunda House, Abuja, had in attendance the Hon. Minister of State for Environment, His Excellency Isiak Salaco, Head of the German-Nigerian Hydrogen Office, Gina Lagunes, and other dignitaries.
The welcome address was delivered by Gina Lagunes, Head German-Hydrogen Office, GIZ Nigeria, who saluted relevant heads, and warmly welcomed participants. "Your presence underscores our commitment to low carbon in Nigeria. This diverse and dynamic assembly brings us together".
The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Nigeria, H.E Mrs. Annett Gunther, "It is an honor for me to welcome you all to the 2nd German-Nigeria Symposium on Green Hydrogenorganised by the German-Nigeria hydrogen office which is one of the global hydrogen policy programme that is funded by the Germany Foreign Office. The hydrogen office underscores the importance of partnerships in addressing one of the most pressing challenges of our time - the transition towards a sustainable greener future.
"This symposium is a significant milestone in our shared person of sustainable energy solutions and I would like to express my gratitude to you for being present here today. Recently, the German Chancellor, H.E Olaf Scholz visited Nigeria and he emphasised the significance of energy partnership between our nations. He referred to it as an 'important element of our cooperation'. Importantly, he highlighted that this partnership is not only about traditional fossil fuels but about hydrogen, the gas of the future, clean and climate neutral. Chancellor Olaf Scholz's words resonate deeply with the essence of this symposium as he underscored our shared vision of a world in which sustainable energy is at the forefront providing a path to economic growth and environmental stewardship."
Giving his speech, the Country Director of GIZ Nigeria & ECOWAS, Dr. Markus Wagner described this as a special symposium that brings together experts and stakeholders to discuss and shape the future of green hydrogen in Nigeria. This is a "unique opportunity to reimagine and reinvent progress for a more sustainable and fair perspective. Furthermore, to rethink and recreate prospects for people here in Nigeria, Africa, and globally. Today's meeting highlights the necessity of advancing the nation's hydrogen economy in Nigeria and we recognise the enabling framework captured in the Hydrogen strategy of Nigeria as essential to a just energy transition."
The Minister of State for Environment, Dr. Iziak Salaco, thanked the organizers of the programme and everyone while noting the significance of the 2nd German-Nigerian Symposium on Green Hydrogen. He said "This is a shared and creative platform for meaningful dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing between Germany and Nigeria in the field of low-carbon energy. I see the Nigerian energy transition part as a major climate initiative rather than an energy initiative. Furthermore, he reiterated that for Nigeria to deliver on her Nationally Determined Contribution we must progressively move in the four environmental sources of energy like clean hydrogen. As this initiative is a key mandate of the Ministry of Environment in protecting the environment, he said, "We must prevent climate extermination of the human race".
There were goodwill messages from the Hon. Minister of State for Gas, Ekperikpe Ekpo, represented by Mrs. Olunremi; Executive Secretary of Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, Dr. Orji Ogbonnaya Orji; The Energy Commission of Nigeria; and Nigeria Electricity Management Services Agency, Engr. Aliyu Tukur Tahir.
Representing the Minister of Power, the Director General of Renewable and Rural Power Access, Faruk Yusuf Yabo, gave the Hon. Minister's remark and formally opened the symposium.
The symposium unveiled a synthesis report on the "study on the policy and regulation framework for the build-up of a hydrogen market in Nigeria." Presenting a study on Nigeria's Hydrogen Production Potential, the speakers, Prof. Martin Kaltschmitt and Fabian Carels discussed the models and breakdown of "blue vs. green hydrogen" production cost with the reference of year 2030. The panel concluded by looking at Nigeria's production, export, supply chains, and international competitiveness of hydrogen and the progressive conditions of the technical economic impact. With the availability of sustainable low-cost carbon sources, Nigeria's biomass and bioethanol can be advantageous for the transport sector.
In the first panel discussion on 'low-carbon hydrogen as a building block of just transition in Nigeria' moderated by Jochen Luckshelter, Director Heinrich Boll Foundation, the panelists discussed Nigeria's plans to mitigate climate change and key components of advancing low-carbon energy. The purpose of achieving 1.5c through adaptation and mitigation strategies will open doors to exploring green hydrogen. The representative of the director National Climate Council said that by 2030-2045, Nigeria will round down its consumption of fossil fuels. Leaving no one behind, the GIZ shared insights on how communities can benefit in Nigeria. Speaking said that the GIZ is an implementing agency working with the Nigerian government on capacity, development, working on energy transition plans, supporting the private sector, and advancing the blue economy. Other projects include the digital economy. However, one of the panelists list also highlighted energy access as a challenge in the energy transition goal globally.
Continuing the programme, the Advisor, International Hydrogen Ramp-Up Programme, Mr. Ofonama Archibong moderated the second-panel session on the theme 'private sector as a key player in the energy transition'. It focused on the greatest role of the private sector through the ECOWAS Energy Transition phases 1 and 2, offtake, finance, capacity developments, upskilling on emerging technologies, and value chain. The panelists explored the point that private sector involvement can strengthen project development and collaboration.
In the closing remark, Gina Lagunes thanked the speakers, panelists, and participants who joined physically and virtually. "It's been amazing having key stakeholders and the entire team who supported us in putting up this great event."
Nsikak Ekere
Third Cohort Alumni and Intern at Environews