Just Energy Transition: Learning from the Past for a More Just and Sustainable Hydrogen Transition in West Africa

Abstract

The rising demand for energy and the aim of moving away from fossil fuels and to low-carbon power have led many countries to move to alternative sources including solar energy, wind, geothermal energy, biomass, and hydrogen. Hydrogen is often considered a “missing link” in guaranteeing the energy transition, providing storage, and covering the volatility and intermittency of renewable energy generation. However, due to potential injustice with regard to the distribution of risks, benefits, and costs (i.e., in regard to competing for land use), the large-scale deployment of hydrogen is a contested policy issue. This paper draws from a historical analysis of past energy projects to contribute to a more informed policy-making process toward a more just transition to the hydrogen economy. We perform a systematic literature review to identify relevant conflict factors that can influence the outcome of hydrogen energy transition projects in selected Economic Community of West African States countries, namely Nigeria and Mali. To better address potential challenges, policymakers must not only facilitate technology development, access, and market structures for hydrogen energy policies but also focus on energy access to affected communities. Further research should monitor hydrogen implementation with a special focus on societal impacts in producing countries.

Promoting the use of bioenergy in developing nations: a CDM route to sustainable development

“…They can be accomplished by clear leadership, effective administration, and the adaptation of business models, expertise, and technologies to the various local conditions. Modern bioenergy has the potential to alter Africa, with societal advantages spreading across many other fields and going far beyond just energy production (Löhr et al, 2022).…”

“…Political pressure to implement plans for utilizing renewable energy is constantly emergent due to Europe's significant import need for fuel and its pledges to lessen CO 2 emissions under the Kyoto Protocol. It is essential to reach the 1.5 °C objective that the electricity industry is decarbonized by 2050 (IRENA, 2022) As a result, Europe hopes to use a lot more biofuels than it presently generates (Löhr et al, 2022).…”

Energy asset stranding in resource-rich developing countries and the just transition - A framework to push research frontiers

“…This has led to improved credit rating of the country (albeit at low levels), thereby providing the government somewhat better financing conditions. One additional challenge for Nigeria's energy transition is the lack of skilled workers and expertise of maintenance after project implementation, which is why renewable energy project often fail (Löhr et al, 2022). Despite various programs and initiatives by the Nigerian government to promote solar energy utilization, inadequate planning and longterm government support often lead to implementation issues, such as a missing long-term maintenance.…”

“…It underscores the massive need for both energy transition and community benefit sharing, emphasizing that an energy transition requires access to sustainable and affordable energy for all (SDG 7). Löhr et al (2022) summarizes energy policy and highlights that in the Rural Electrification Strategy and Implementation Plan (RESIP), Nigeria aimed for an electrification rate of 75% by 2020, a target they missed. They now aim for 100% electrification by 2040, providing access to 500,000 households per year over a 10-year period -2030Löhr et al, 2022).…”

Hydrogen and the Global Energy Transition—Path to Sustainability and Adoption across All Economic Sectors

“…A systematic review of the literature was recently reported, with a focus on the role of end users in the increased uptake of energy transition technologies [8]. Individual clean hydrogen case studies for different countries were also reported in which the authors provided prevalent scenarios and expected outcomes for different regions (Japan [9]; Africa and Europe [10,11]; China [12]; Germany [13]; Russia [14]; Australia [15]; the Global South [16]; Qatar [17]; South America [18]; the Middle East [19]; Mexico [20]; and Canada [21]). A number of review studies were also conducted on challenges and opportunities for innovation in hydrogen-related technologies [22][23][24], with particular focus on production [25][26][27], storage [28][29][30], distribution [31,32], grid integration [33,34], and utilization [35,36].…”