The Impact of Green Hydrogen and Synthetic Fuels Imports from Africa to the EU on the European Energy System
On October 21, 2024, the inaugural webinar of the JUST GREEN AFRH2ICA x MED-GEM Network series took place online. This event convened project partners and stakeholders to delve into the implications of importing green hydrogen and synthetic fuels (e-fuels) from Africa to the European Union (EU). It was also the place to present key findings from a recent study realised in the Framework of WP2 of JUST GREEN AFRH2ICA project by ARTELYS exploring four scenarios for green hydrogen imports from the African Union (AU) to the EU, study analyzing various combinations of import volumes, exporting regions, and transportation routes, assessing their repercussions on the European hydrogen strategy, electricity systems, and hydrogen supply corridors and natural gas pipelines between Africa and Europe.
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In her opening remarks and subsequent contributions, Ms Milou Beerepoot, Programme Manager Regional Programmes Neighbourhood South - Energy, DG Near at the European Commission, underscored the necessity of a holistic approach that integrates technology, regulation, and financing to overcome existing barriers to hydrogen adoption. She also highlighted the importance of creating financial incentives and favorable regulatory frameworks to encourage investments in transport and storage infrastructure. By addressing logistical challenges, she referenced ongoing hydrogen transport projects, showcasing their potential to demonstrate the economic viability of green hydrogen. Furthermore, Ms Beerepoot advocated for strengthened cooperation between European and African countries, stressing that strategic partnerships are vital for developing a sustainable and resilient hydrogen supply chain, benefiting both Europe and African exporting nations.
Session 1: Presentation of the Just Green AFRH2ICA Project by Stefano Barberis, UNIGE
Stefano Barberis introduced the JUST GREEN AFRH2ICA project, funded by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership and the European Union, which was launched in February 2023. The 24-month initiative aims to create mutually beneficial roadmaps for green hydrogen transition between Europe and Africa. He pointed out that while Europe has established a hydrogen roadmap (published in 2019-2020), Africa currently lacks a continental strategy despite its vast potential. Key goals include supporting African countries in developing hydrogen policies and roadmaps across various sectors such as research and development, manufacturing, and financing to ensure a just transition. Mr Barberis emphasized Africa's unique advantages, such as its exceptional renewable energy potential—especially in solar radiation and coastal wind—which can facilitate low-cost green hydrogen production. He also highlighted the potential for local hydrogen demand and export opportunities to Europe, leveraging existing gas infrastructure. Additionally, he highlithed the importance of stakeholder engagement and participation in the projects (in training and consulting activities) and announced an upcoming event in Rabat in January 2025, along with the availability of project results on an e-learning platform.
Session 2: Introduction to MED-GEM by Bandaly El Issa, MED-GEM Network
Bandaly El Issa presented the MED-GEM Network, an initiative funded by the European Commission, specifically by the Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations. The project, which began in early 2023 and will continue until mid-2025, aims to establish a Mediterranean network for green electrons and molecules to foster the growth of the green energy industry regionally and nationally while enhancing collaboration with the EU. The MED-GEM Network comprises three main components:
- Policy: Represented by the Steering Committee, which includes representatives from energy ministries of member countries.
- Industry: Through the Industrial Advisory Board, comprising industry associations and energy actors, with working groups focused on infrastructure, skills, local value creation, and certifications.
- Finance: Targeting financial institutions and local developers to promote green hydrogen-related projects.
Session 3: The Impact of Green Hydrogen Imports on the EU Hydrogen Strategy, by Thomas Brouhard, representing ARTELYS
Thomas Brouhard from ARTELYS provided an insightful analysis of the role of green hydrogen imports in shaping the European Union's hydrogen strategy and the impact that such import could have on EU policies and energy systems. He emphasized the alignment of the study's findings with the REPowerEU Plan, highlighting the urgent need for hydrogen supplies to meet the EU's climate goals.
Mr Brouhard pointed out that green hydrogen is vital for decarbonizing heavy industry and transportation, with demand expected to reach around 20 Mt annually by 2030 as foreseen by REPowerEU Plan, half of which will need to be imported. The study outlines two key sources for this target: 10 Mt from local EU electrolysis using renewable energy and 10 Mt from extraEU imports,
He also discussed the geographic disparities in hydrogen production across Europe, noting that while Central European countries have high demand, they lack sufficient domestic production capabilities, making them reliant on imports from North Africa's abundant solar and wind resources.
Brouhard detailed the infrastructure challenges related to scaling hydrogen imports, stressing the need for robust transport networks, including pipelines and shipping routes, as suggested by the European Hydrogen Backbone Initiative. He highlighted the importance of seasonal storage solutions to manage supply fluctuations effectively.
He concluded by underscoring that while increasing imports is crucial, it does not eliminate the need for substantial electrolysis capacity within the EU. Instead, it will enhance operational flexibility, allowing electrolyzers to adapt to varying demand. Finally, he called for greater collaboration among stakeholders, including policymakers and industry players, to develop a cohesive hydrogen infrastructure and supply chain..
Session 4: The Role of Transport and Storage in the Global Energy System, by Frank Wouters, director of MED-GEM
Frank Wouters discussed the vital relationship between transport and storage in the global energy system, particularly regarding green hydrogen as a key energy carrier. He examined the technical and economic factors essential for facilitating the energy transition. He started by noting the significant decline in solar energy costs, making it a leading choice for electricity generation. This shift has spurred increased investments in renewable energy capacity. He emphasized the need for a robust energy transport and storage infrastructure to manage the complexities of intermittent renewable sources. Wouters highlighted the importance of developing hydrogen infrastructure, including pipelines and maritime transport, which will facilitate the movement of hydrogen to consumption centers. He also pointed out that innovative storage solutions, such as underground storage, are crucial for balancing supply and demand.
The economic benefits of a hydrogen economy were also addressed by Frank stating that investments in transport and storage infrastructure can drive job creation and technological innovation. He concluded by stressing the necessity of a diversified and resilient hydrogen supply chain for long-term energy security in Europe, thus underscoring that successfully integrating African green hydrogen into the EU market requires concerted infrastructure development and partnerships between the continents.
Q&A on the Potential of Liquid Hydrogen
During the webinar, participants discussed several topics related to liquid hydrogen. Mrs Samira Ben Ali, President of MARAMM, the Moroccan Association of Asset Management, Reliability and Maintenance, emphasized the importance of producing green hydrogen from wave energy and transporting nitrogen in liquid form, highlighting the stability and volume optimization this could offer. In response, Stefano Barberis clarified that the project focuses on electrolysis, excluding biogas or syngas routes, while warning of potential losses of up to 50% during the transport of liquefied hydrogen. Mrs Benali countered that their unique technology allows for a reduction of these losses to 25%. Frank Wouters then shared insights from a DII white paper on liquid hydrogen, discussing technological advancements that could mitigate losses. He also pointed out the trend toward larger-scale operations, particularly in China, where capacities of 400 to 450 tons per day are already being achieved.