Esther Oritse
Lagos — A multi-sectoral group of environmentalists have advocated for deployment of hydrogen as an alternative to energy source and a form of renewable energy with a view to having a greener Africa and develop social infrastructure across the Continent.
Speaking at a side event at the ongoing United Nations Framework for Climate Change Conference, UNFCCC, COP29, hosted by the government of Azerbaijan in Baku, Dr Dola Oluteye, Principal Investigator of the Leading Effective Afrocentric Participation LEAP, said that Africa’s maritime sector currently faces several challenges, such as aging vessels, inadequate infrastructure, and limited ownership of shipping fleets.”
Oluteye also said that only about 2% of the global shipping fleet is owned by African nations, despite the continent being coastal with hundreds of ports.
Oluteye who also moderated the panel session pointed that the International Maritime Organisation’s (IMO) ambitious goals for decarbonising international shipping must be sustained.
He said: “IMO’s contribution to the global fight against climate change in support of the United Nations Sustainable Goal 13, has led the organisation to set ambitious targets with milestones for 2030, 2040, and 2050 to reduce GHG emissions,”
“In the midst of a plethora of related regulatory pressures, African nations contend with energy poverty, food insecurity, social economic barriers, limited access to advanced technologies, expertise and constraints on financial resources, limiting the ability to engage effectively and efficiently with the energy transition drive to zero emission shipping.”
Similarly, Professor Bamidele Adebisi, a Director at the African Hydrogen Partnership, disclosed that the potential use of hydrogen will promote sustainability in Africa, saying that “Hydrogen comprises about 70% of the universe and can serve as a renewable energy source.
He stated hydrogen also presents an attractive alternative for maritime transport beyond production or generation of electricity, hydrogen is also a product for making ammonia, fertilisers, and other valuable substances.”
Mr. Maarten Ooms, from the Green Climate Fund, GCF, who spoke about the availability of financial mechanisms, the Fund supports developing countries to make the paradigm shift towards climate resilience is one of the GCF’s missions.
“Till date, we have invested $16 billion, across 133 countries and over 286 projects. In the context of transport, over the last 10 years, we have invested $1.2 billion over 27 projects. Our strategy is underpinned by three pillars: one is to make transport climate resilient, the second is creating social economic benefits, and the third, is decarbonising the sector.” He stated.
In her comments, Dr. Oma Ofodile of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, drew global attention to three key project indicators namely green capacity building, green economic empowerment, and inclusive advocacy.
Ofodile also said that African nations must take a leadership role in green maritime practices for economic growth.
Ofodile who opened the expert panel session by setting the scene for the discourse, highlighted Africa’s abundant resources necessary for leading global zero-emission efforts in the maritime sector.
