New German-African Energy Agreement to Phase Out Fossil Fuels
The German-African energy agreement will help Germany and African countries to leave fossil fuels in the past
September 30th, 2022
Since Russia’s attack on Ukraine and the decision to cease energy exports to Europe, energy has become a salient issue in Europe.
The chair of the German-African Business Association (AV) Stefan Liebing decided to look into the possibility of expanding Angola’s hydroelectric power plant Laúca’s capacity. This is because it is running on only half; with the ability of producing two gigawatts, although only producing half the amount due to lack of demand. The rest is available for a low cost.
Now two German businesses have signed a memorandum of understanding with Angola to build a factory able to produce around 280,000 tons of green ammonia for export. Production is scheduled to start in 2024. Namibia is also scheduled for constructing a hydrogen factory in the coastal town of Lüderitz, capable of producing 300,000 tonnes a year.
Green hydrogen is an alternative energy resource that is produced by splitting water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen by using electricity through electrolysis. Using this will reduce emissions and it is often referred to as an important factor in combating climate change by environmentalists. Angola is estimated to only use 5% of estimated water reserves, out of the 47 it has. Producing green hydrogen is planned to be done in tandem with solar-, hydro- and wind energy. If the electrolysis is not done with green energy, the hydrogen won’t be green either.
Germany’s role in the agreement will be to supply Angola and other partner countries with the necessary funds to build necessary infrastructure to produce aforementioned things, but also to co-determine the governments’ goals and guidelines, initiating projects and helping to train specialists.
Another country which Germany has struck a deal with is South Africa, who will produce energy for not only the EU, but also the USA due to their favourable climate and geographical position. The agreement Germany has with South Africa falls into six areas, including energy storage, flexibilization and green hydrogen.
References:
- - https://www.dw.com/en/experts-urge-caution-on-angola-germany-green-hydrogen-deal/a-62171064
- - https://www.deutschland.de/en/topic/business/german-african-energy-partnerships-an-overview
