Dubai-based renewable energy firm, AMEA Power, has unveiled ambitious plans to construct a green hydrogen facility in Mombasa, Kenya.
This landmark project represents Kenya’s inaugural foray into the realm of green hydrogen production. Chairman Hussain Al Nowais revealed that the company’s initial phase will involve the establishment of a one-gigawatt electrolyzer at the Mombasa site.
The strategically located facility in Mombasa will tap into electricity generated by geothermal plants situated inland, making it an ideal location for facilitating hydrogen exports. Furthermore, AMEA Power is actively exploring the possibility of establishing an additional hydrogen plant in Djibouti, a neighboring nation near the Suez Canal.
Kenya is aligning itself with other African nations in harnessing the potential of renewable energy for green hydrogen production, to potentially replace natural gas as a primary fuel source. South Africa, Namibia, Mauritania, Morocco, and Egypt have already taken significant strides in advancing their hydrogen initiatives.
AMEA Power, buoyed by a $4.5 billion commitment from the United Arab Emirates to bolster renewable energy endeavors in Africa, has recently sold a 9% stake in the company to SoftBank Group Corp. for $75 million. As part of the UAE’s ambitious pledge, AMEA Power has committed to supporting the funding of five gigawatts of renewable energy projects across Africa. This endeavor will require a substantial $1 billion in equity investments, complemented by an additional $4 billion in project finance.
The company’s renewable energy portfolio currently boasts an impressive three gigawatts of installed capacity, with a substantial five gigawatts in the development pipeline. Additionally, AMEA Power is actively exploring opportunities for expansion into the dynamic energy markets of Central Asia.
By embracing green hydrogen technology, AMEA Power and Kenya are taking monumental steps toward realizing a sustainable, clean, and environmentally responsible energy future. This initiative not only underscores their commitment to renewable energy but also positions them as trailblazers in the global transition towards cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.
