The First Southern African–European Green Hydrogen Forum was held in Luanda and organised by the Angolan government in partnership with the German-Angolan Hydrogen Office – H2 diplo. The conference aimed to strengthen collaboration among countries in the region and explore cooperation opportunities to expedite the growth of climate-neutral hydrogen enterprises in Southern Africa.
Having so many international attendees in Luanda to talk about how to speed up the hydrogen business in Southern Africa was an incredible experience. In addition to the three focus countries such as Angola, Namibia, and South Africa—participants at this forum came from all over the African continent and Europe, including UN representatives. At the German-Angolan Hydrogen Office – H2-diplo was delighted to welcome over 200 participants from governmental organisations, industry, and academia from 31 May to 2 June 2023.
Green hydrogen cooperation, ranging from collaborative research to the creation of new value chains and infrastructure initiatives, was actively encouraged throughout our conversations on a regional and international level. The German-Angolan Hydrogen Office – H2-diplo had the chance to hear from speakers about their experiences with essential issues such as project funding, research, scientific collaboration, and the growth of local value chains.
It is believed that energy transition affects all of us in different ways, and each country will be able to contribute towards the ultimate goal of climate neutrality. Moreover, green hydrogen can be for many countries, especially the ones with great potential for the production of renewable energies, which is the case of Angola, Namibia, South Africa and many other African nations, a vital propellant not only for the creation of a new hydrogen industry in these countries but also for the development of new sub-industries based on hydrogen and its derivatives, such as the fertiliser and synthetic fuels industry.
On the last day, the Southern African – Green European Hydrogen Forum offered a full-day field trip to the construction site of SONANGOL’s facilities at Barra do Dande Ocean Terminal (30km outside Luanda). The field trip focused on the potential of SONANGOL’s future engagements related to the energy transition, such as the newest Green Ammonia project with German cooperation partners. Once the strategic reserve has been established, the TOBD, with a projected storage capacity of approximately 580,000 cubic metres, will be the largest and most modern in the region and the primary gateway for storing oil and H2 derivatives, ensuring national energy security.
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