Angola has set high objectives for its energy transition and intends to prioritise the development of alternative energy sources. The country possesses a potential hydroelectric capacity of 18 GW, a potential solar capacity of 55 GW, and a potential wind capacity of 3 GW, which positions it as a viable candidate for green hydrogen production.
Green or blue hydrogen? This query is pertinent to an oil-producing nation with ambitious energy transition objectives. Due to the discovery of natural gas in Southern Africa, Angola is confronted with a challenging economic situation. Nevertheless, according to the long-term strategy of Angola 2025, the country’s estimated potential hydropower capacity is 18 GW, of which less than one-third is presently being utilised. In addition, the nation possesses substantial solar (55 GW) and wind (3 GW) capacity.
What to say? There are many opportunities to explore.
That’s why the German-Angolan Hydrogen Office – H2-diplo created a working group, a collective effort where each stakeholder’s unique perspective is crucial, to discuss where and how hydrogen should be explored. This group was formed with potential stakeholders/representatives from MINEA (Ministery of Energy and Water), MIREMPET (Ministry of Mineral Resources, Oil and Gas), IRSEA (Regulatory Institute for Electricity and Water Services), Sonangol, ANPG (National Agency for Oil, Gas and Biofuels), MEP (Ministry of the Economy and Planning), UCAN (Catholic University of Angola) and ISPTEC (Higher Polytechnic Institute of Technologies and Sciences).
The working group was privileged to have Eng. Marino Bulles, a representative of IRSEA, and Prof. Dr Christoph Menke FROM PtX Hub, both renowned experts in their fields. They shared valuable insights on the legal perspective of Renewable Energy in Angola and the potential of hydrogen and Ptx as energy carriers, with a specific focus on green and blue hydrogen.
Three main questions were taken from this meeting:
- Should Angola invest in green or blue hydrogen?
- What essential policies will enable the insertion of both technologies?
- Which sector would be most appropriate for green hydrogen?
The potential of green hydrogen is directly linked to renewable power, offering a promising opportunity for those investing in or advocating for renewable energy. If Angola inserts hydrogen into its upcoming agenda, there’s a significant advantage waiting for the investors. This was indeed a very enlightening discussion, filled with possibilities.
For more news about the H2-diplo activities, follow us on LinkedIn: Global Hydrogen Diplomacy: Übersicht | LinkedIn
