An overview of the socio-economic impacts of the green hydrogen value chain in Southern Africa

Abstract

The green hydrogen economy offers synthetic green energy with significant impacts and is environmentally friendly compared to current fossil-based fuels. Exploration of green hydrogen energy in Southern Africa is still in the initial stages in many low-resourced settings aiming to benefit from sustainable green energy. At this early stage, potential benefits to society are yet to be understood. That is why the socio-economic impact of green hydrogen energy must be explored. This paper reviews the current literatures to describe the potential socio-economic effects in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The review supports the view that green hydrogen will be beneficial and have great potential to revolutionise agricultural and industrial sectors, with advanced sustainable changes for both production and processing. This paper also examines how sustainable green hydrogen energy production in Southern Africa will provide economic value in the energy export sector around the world and support climate change initiatives. Further, it discusses the impacts of the green hydrogen value addition chain and the creation of green jobs, as well as the need for corresponding investments and policy reforms. It is also noted that the green hydrogen economy can contribute to job losses in fossil fuel-based industries, so that the workforce there may need re-skilling to take up green jobs. Such exchanges may deter efforts towards poverty alleviation and economic growth in SADC.

Analysis of the Scientific Production on the Green Hydrogen Theme Published in Scientific Journals Indexed by EBSCO

“…Thus, it can be seen that green hydrogen is the first molecule of fundamental importance in post-covid, for a renewable economy of the 21st century (Satinover et al, 2021). Thus, green hydrogen is seen as a precursor to different synthetic types of fuels and green chemicals such as liquid fuels: kerosene, gasoline, diesel, methanol; energy for gasoline such as methane; or energy for chemicals such as ammonia, thus offering synthetic green energy with significant impacts on sustainability compared to current fossil fuels (Hamukoshi, Mama, Shimanda & Shafudah, 2022).…”

Prospects of Solar Driven -Water Electrolysis for Hydrogen Production in South Africa: A Mini-Review

“…However, South Africa's research into green hydrogen energy is still in its early stages. Also, the potential benefits of hydrogen to South Africa's society, businesses, and the government are yet to be understood, this necessitates studies on the socioeconomic effects of green hydrogen [26]. Therefore, national education campaigns are needed across all industries that are major stakeholders in hydrogen production, including the energy, transportation, academic, and industrial sectors.…”

“…It is essential to inform the public about the function and viability of hydrogen during decarbonization. In addition, initiatives must be taken to inform qualified individuals with technical backgrounds about the job prospects of the hydrogen economy [26]. Despite the enormous promise of the hydrogen economy, there are still obstacles to be solved, such as the high cost of manufacturing, storage, distribution infrastructure, and safety concerns [24,27].…”

“…Notwithstanding, hydrogen can be produced and consumed widely in industrial processes. Sasol's FischerTropsch (FT) technique and technical expertise provide South Africa with an edge in hydrogen-based liquid fuel manufacturing [26]. Nevertheless, the development of the hydrogen sector is hindered by technological obstacles, resulting in South Africa's prototyping deficit.…”

“…Moreover, the hydrogen industry in South Africa must have a long-term framework for the acceptance of its technologies. To boost the energy sector while mitigating the carbon-based economy, the South African National Development Plan 2030 has been prioritized to invest in green energy production [26]. This is possible to create a sustainable market for a green hydrogen economy and accelerate decarbonization by modifying policies to accept green hydrogen.…”