Biomass‐derived hydrogen energy potential in Africa

Abstract

Researchers in recent times have been looking at the promising potential of hydrogen energy. This potential when fully realized can help meet the growing global energy demand which has been as a result of population growth. In this context, hydrogen energy potential from the fuel wood and agricultural residue produced in African countries is assessed. This study analyses annual electricity consumption displacement when hydrogen energy is used for electrification purposes. The results show that Africa has the potential to produce a total of about 350,000 GWh of hydrogen energy from fuel wood and agricultural residue annually. Also, more than a 100% of the annual electricity consumption in West Africa can be displaced by hydrogen energy from these biomass resources. Annual motor‐gasoline consumption displacement and direct CO2 emission reductions as a result of using hydrogen energy are also studied in this article. This study is the first of its kind and serves as a baseline for the life cycle assessment of hydrogen energy technologies in Africa. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 289–297, 2016