Nigeria-Germany $130BN Global Hydrogen Project: ECN To Coordinate Project In Nsukka 

OMOGBOLAHAN BABAWALE

The Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) is set to supervise and coordinate a new Nigeria-German project named Global Hydrogen Project to be located in University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State.

The Director-General/Chief Executive Officer of the Commission, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, yesterday joined the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Chief Uche Nnaji, to receive a German delegation, which had come to meet with the Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima (GCON) at the Presidential Villa on Friday, May 24, 2024, for a courtesy visit.

The German delegation, led by Mr. Till Mansmann, a member of the German Parliament and Hydrogen Commissioner, Federal Ministry of Education and Research, visited Nigeria to explore potential partnerships in the $130 billion global hydrogen project. The project aims to develop the green energy sector and exploit its potential, with projected mutual benefits for all partners.

The Vice President, Sen. Shettima described the visit as timely and a great opportunity for Nigeria to advance its hydrogen capabilities in line with the renewable energy goal and global energy transition plan from fossil fuels to alternative green sources. Nigerians would recall the country’s commitment to the new world order on energy at the #COP28UAE, where participants agreed to a safer world using green energy sources.

The Nigeria-Germany partnership on hydrogen provides another opportunity to further commit partner nations to a safer world. The Vice President noted, “Hydrogen has the potential to revolutionize many industries in Nigeria, including fertilizer production. The Federal Ministry of Science and Technology is ready to partner with authorities in Germany to drive the process towards developing the hydrogen market in Nigeria and beyond.”

Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi, Director-General and Chief Executive of the Energy Commission, believes the project was timely and would revolutionize not only Nigeria but also Africa as a continent. As the coordinating agency, he is assured that it would be a thing of pride to midwife such a monumental project in the country. He stated, “As the lead agency in the country for energy policies and implementation, it is always a thing of pride for us to provide leadership in line with the Renewed Hope agenda of Mr. President. Our goal is clear. Our mission is to deliver results that will ultimately revolutionize the entire energy architecture of the country for the benefit of the nation and her citizenry.”

Mr. Till Mansmann, Team Lead of the German Delegation, stated, “Collaborating with Nigeria and institutions like the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) is crucial for achieving the goals outlined in Germany’s National Hydrogen Strategy.”

“Nigeria is a very important partner for the global transformation of energy. If you want to fight climate change, it makes no sense if one country alone goes its own pathway. We need to come together in a lot of cooperations in technology, science, and human resources.” He further enthused.

The Energy Commission is ready to show leadership in the all-important task for the global hydrogen project, working under the supervision of the Ministry. The Commission thanks the Vice President for making himself available as part of Nigerian content to consummate the agreement in Germany.