Nairobi, 6 September 2023 (TDI): At the Africa Climate Summit in Nairobi, President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission and President Ruto of Kenya unveiled the Green Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap for Kenya, supported by the Global Gateway, Europe’s global investment initiative.
The event marked the introduction and formal adoption of Kenya’s Green Hydrogen Strategy, an initiative with the potential to transform the energy sector of Kenya and neighboring regions.
The event saw the launch and signing of Kenya’s Green Hydrogen Strategy, a groundbreaking initiative poised to reshape the energy landscape of Kenya and beyond.
Moreover, Thomas Ostros, the Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, Dr. Barbel Kofler, Parliamentary State Secretary from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, President Ursula von der Leyen of the European Commission, and President William Ruto of the Republic of Kenya signed the Green Hydrogen strategy.
The Green Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap for Kenya, emerged as a result of collaboration between Kenya and the European Union (EU), with a strong focus on fostering sustainable energy development.
However, developed in consultation with EU experts, this roadmap charts Kenya’s ambitions from the present year through 2032 and beyond.
It also highlights three primary objectives including domestic market development, export expansion, and targeted goals related to emission reduction, job creation, and direct investments.
Moreover, under the ambitious Global Gateway initiative, the EU is committed to investing nearly €12 million in grants to mobilize both public and private investments in Kenya’s green hydrogen industry.
Overall, Global Gateway is investing €3.4 billion in Kenya to support climate and nature-related initiatives. This includes helping Kenya develop renewable energy, create sustainable agricultural systems, build climate resilience, and protect the environment.
President Ursula von der Leyen emphasized Kenya’s pivotal role in the global fight against climate change and lauded Kenya’s commitment to achieving 100% clean energy by 2030.
She expressed confidence that the Green Hydrogen Strategy would propel Kenya closer to this target, reducing emissions, nurturing a strategic industry, and enhancing export capabilities.
President William Ruto underscored the strategy’s emphasis on economic growth, job creation, and environmental stewardship.
He highlighted the potential of green hydrogen to revolutionize various sectors, including agriculture, industry, and the broader economy.
Additionally, he extended gratitude to the EU, Germany, and the European Investment Bank for their invaluable partnership and pledged to strengthen cooperation with other African nations.
Kenya aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by one-third by 2030.
With over 90% of its electricity already stemming from renewable sources, Kenya’s commitment to clean energy infrastructure is steadfast.
The Green Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap offers a beacon for investors, ensuring clear targets and a secure investment landscape.
The strategy’s focus on domestic green hydrogen production promises to mitigate supply risks and reduce market price volatility, offering opportunities for sustainable manufacturing and industrialization while bolstering food security.
Read More: European Commission President addresses Africa Climate Summit
Moreover, Kenya’s collaboration with the EU under the Global Gateway initiative signifies a significant step towards a greener, more inclusive, and digitally advanced Africa.
The Global Gateway invests in Kenya’s diverse sectors, including green and digital economies, and the development of sustainable mobility solutions. An example of this investment is the European Union’s support for the development and implementation of the Nairobi Clean Bus Rapid Transit Line 3 (BRT 3).
Furthermore, this project is part of the Northern Corridor initiative aimed at promoting trade, job creation, and prosperity in Kenya and the surrounding region. Team Europe and Kenya are jointly investing up to €350 million in this endeavor, which will result in the construction of East Africa’s first dedicated electric bus line.
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