Hydrogen Economy: Nigeria and Germany Seal $130bn Partnership Deal

Germany and Nigeria To Collaborate On $130 Billion Global Hydrogen Market

Vice President Kashim Shettima has reaffirmed Nigeria's willingness to collaborate with the Republic of Germany to grow its green energy sector in order to take advantage of the $130 billion global hydrogen market.

As to his statement, the concept involves propelling the nation's hydrogen industry forward in harmony with its goals for renewable energy and the worldwide energy shift from non-renewable to sustainable sources.

This was said by Senator Shettima on Friday during a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa with a German team headed by Mr. Till Mansmann, the hydrogen commissioner for the Federal Ministry of Education and Research and a member of the German Parliament.

In a statement provided by his spokesman Stanley Nkwocha, the Vice President emphasized the significance of a robust partnership between Nigeria and Germany, saying, “We cannot run away from the fact that sooner or later we have to do away with fossil fuels and resort to green energy for a sustainable world and an inclusive economic growth.”

“We appreciate you and there is ample opportunity for us to partner towards the development of the 130 billion-dollars global hydrogen market projected by the World Bank to grow at 9% per annum.”

Regarding the prospects for hydrogen growth, Vice President Shettima expressed hope that if Nigeria does its part, the whole African continent will follow suit.

He noted: "Hydrogen has the potential of revolutionizing a lot of 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.

“Partnering to develop the hydrogen market in Nigeria will positively impact the rest of the African continent given its potentials and position. The potentials are here in Nigeria. When Nigeria gets its acts right, Africa will get it right too. You have a partner in Nigeria, In President Tinubu, you have a partner that you can trust. Leadership is about the ability to provide ideas to the problems of a nation,” he added.

While noting that “though not endowed with a lot of natural resources, Germany is blessed with the human capital that has made the country a global leader across diverse fields, including technology and devotion to ethics,” the vice president praised Germany for the sacrifice and empathy the European nation has shown towards other countries in various areas.

The aims established in Germany's National Hydrogen Strategy require cooperation with Nigeria and organizations such as the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), according to Mansmann, Head of the German Delegation/Member of the German Parliament and Hydrogen Commissioner.

“Nearly 30 countries in Africa have the potential for green energy, especially hydrogen production, and Nigeria is one of the most powerful countries in this field," Mansmann stated, recognizing Nigeria's great potential in this area.

He discussed his recent visit to UNN and the role universities play in promoting innovation and developing future talent, adding, “We visited the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and it was really interesting to see the programmes coming from there in renewable energies.”

He emphasized the value of collaboration between academic institutions and the scientific community, stating that, “A lot of young, well-educated people are the ones that will transform the world in the future. Because of that, we think cooperation in the field of science with universities is most important.”

He also said that a major shift toward the importation of green energy is necessary for Germany to achieve its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2045.

“Germany will be an energy importing country for the next decades in huge amounts. Currently, we import 70% of our energy in the form of fossils, and we want to get out of fossils by 2045. That means in 20 years, all imported energy needs to be green. And we know there are great potentials in Africa and Nigeria,” he added.