Description
ABSTRACT
Energy Transition, Climate Change Mitigation in Africa and Unpacking the Potential of Hydrogen: A Systematic Review
Oluwaseun Viyon Ojo* and Sina Akinmusire**
As the world is increasingly concerned about decarbonising the energy (electricity) industry and accelerating the global transition from fossil-fuel energy to cleaner energy sources, with the consequential expected result of overall greenhouse gas emissions reduction and climate change mitigation, it is highly critical to examine the crucial role of hydrogen as a transition fuel in achieving these objectives. Notwithstanding the historical utility of natural gas as a low carbon transition fuel, hydrogen is now touted as a better and cleaner transition fuel in this energy transitional era. The clean nature or otherwise of hydrogen often turns on the scientific and chemical process of manufacturing and production of hydrogen. Economic conditions and political circumstances also primarily impact the policy commitment to financing and investment in greener energy sources (including hydrogen projects).
Accordingly, the objectives of this paper are to i) consider how hydrogen project development aligns with decarbonisation, energy transition and climate change mitigation efforts, particularly within the context of Africa; ii) assess the types and scientific processes of hydrogen production; and iii) comprehensively review the contemporary legal and policy issues, financing costs and suite of risks associated with hydrogen projects. To the extent that hydrogen receives sufficient policy and legislative attention in developed economies, the paper explicitly reviews the extant legal framework for hydrogen projects in the United States, drawing only relevant lessons for hydrogen projects in Africa.
The article recommends that i) hydrogen plays a critical role in the global efforts towards decarbonisation and climate change mitigation; ii) there is indeed growing attention and development of notable hydrogen projects in key countries across Africa; iii) the structuring of hydrogen projects development must take into consideration its peculiar risks and features and iv) the US extant legal framework, albeit developing, also provides a practical and helpful template for further refining the legal framework relating to the development of hydrogen projects in Africa.
Keywords: Hydrogen, Energy Transition, Mitigation, Decarbonization,Emission, Net-zero and Financing
*LL.B, (LASU), LL.M (UIUC) Senior Associate, Duale, Ovia and Alex-Adedipe, Nigeria.
**LL.B (LASU) Nigeria.
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