DRIVING TOWARDS HYDROGEN MOBILITY IN AFRICA
Introduction
The collaboration between BMW, Sasol, and Anglo-American Platinum in South Africa to explore hydrogen-powered mobility marks a significant step toward sustainable transportation solutions on the African continent. As the focus on alternative energy sources gains momentum, the feasibility of hydrogen mobility in Africa is gaining attention.[i] However, this shift in technology requires a comprehensive understanding of legal and regulatory frameworks to facilitate its successful implementation.
Feasibility of Hydrogen Mobility in Africa
Hydrogen-powered mobility presents promising prospects for Africa's transportation sector. The technology offers clean energy solutions, reduced carbon emissions, and potentially sustainable fuel options. The BMW iX5 Hydrogen trial, boasting an impressive range and speed, showcases the viability of hydrogen-powered vehicles.[ii]
The global push to curb carbon emissions often focuses on industries, overlooking the significant contribution of the transportation sector, responsible for nearly 20% of greenhouse gas emissions. To limit global warming, decarbonizing transportation becomes imperative, with its emissions equated to burning fossil fuels inside two Olympic swimming pools per minute of the year.[iii]
In Africa, this challenge is particularly critical. The continent faces vulnerability to climate change, marked by rapid urbanization, projected to surge to 75% by 2050. This urban migration spurs a higher demand for mobility, driving an increased purchase of vehicles and subsequently escalating greenhouse gas emissions. Presently, Africa operates 72 million vehicles, with transport emissions surging by 7% annually. Fuel quality concerns, aged vehicles, and inadequate roadworthy tests compound the emissions issue.
Amidst the urgency to slash greenhouse gases by 2030, hydrogen emerges as a viable alternative to Africa's fossil fuel-driven transportation system. Long hailed for its versatility in various industries, hydrogen now holds promise in low-emission road transport. The global focus on hydrogen as a future fuel, notably for achieving net-zero carbon emissions, accentuates its pivotal role in decarbonization strategies.[iv]
Africa, rich in energy resources, stands poised to harness hydrogen's potential. Abundant wind, solar, and hydropower resources position the continent to produce eco-friendly hydrogen. Despite hydrogen's gradual integration in the region, its predominant production from non-renewable sources, labeled as blue hydrogen, presents a significant carbon footprint. Renewable electricity-powered green hydrogen accounts for only 4% of global hydrogen production due to cost constraints and slow infrastructure development.[v]
However, Africa's abundant solar and wind resources provide a promising avenue for sustainable hydrogen production. The declining cost of solar panels enhances the viability of hydrogen generation from renewable energy sources. Hydrogen derived from water using solar or wind energy produces no emissions except for water vapor, making it an eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels.
The complexity of transitioning to sustainable transportation with hydrogen necessitates vehicles equipped to operate on clean fuel sources. Yet, the feasibility of deploying hydrogen mobility in Africa remains evident. Leveraging renewable energy sources for hydrogen production holds the potential to revolutionize the continent's transportation sector while mitigating its environmental impact.[vi]
Nevertheless, while the potential for hydrogen mobility is evident, several factors need consideration to assess its feasibility across the African continent. Infrastructure development, such as refuelling stations, becomes pivotal. Establishing a robust refuelling network is crucial for the widespread adoption of hydrogen-powered vehicles. Sasol's provision of green hydrogen and a mobile refuelling system for BMW's trial is a step in the right direction; but scaling this infrastructure remains a challenge.[vii]
Legal, Policy and Regulatory Considerations for Hydrogen Mobility in Africa
Implementing hydrogen mobility in Africa necessitates a robust legal and regulatory framework to ensure safety, technical standards, and environmental sustainability. Clear policies and standards governing the production, storage, transportation, and usage of hydrogen are crucial for the successful adoption of this emerging technology on the continent.
· Legal Standards: Starting with hydrogen production facilities, various countries have established legal standards ensuring safe design and maintenance. China, South Korea, Japan, the United States, Germany, and Norway have regulations specifying safety measures, technical specifications, storage limitations, and safety equipment for these facilities. In France and across the EU, environmental regulations govern production facilities, emphasizing safety protocols, risk assessments, and adherence to storage capacities.[viii]
· Hydrogen Pipeline Design and Safety Standards: Regarding hydrogen pipelines, some nations like Australia and Germany have amended regulations to permit hydrogen transmission through pipelines. However, in countries like the Netherlands, existing laws do not allow for hydrogen transport via the natural gas infrastructure, except in newly established pipelines. Stringent regulations in the UK, Japan, and the United States govern pipeline design, safety systems, materials used, and adherence to industry standards.[ix]
· Road Transport and Confined Spaces: For road transport and confined spaces, regulations vary across regions. In Europe, the ADR agreement governs road transport of hydrogen, while Australia has specific regulations for the transport of dangerous goods. Tunnel restrictions for transporting dangerous goods are in place in Europe and Japan, highlighting the need for further regulations and codes specific to hydrogen-powered vehicles in confined spaces.[x]
· Hydrogen Refuelling Stations: Hydrogen Refuelling stations, critical for supporting hydrogen-powered vehicles, are regulated comprehensively in Japan, China, and certain states like California in the United States. These regulations cover technical specifications, safety measures, equipment requirements, and safety distances. However, in some EU countries and Australia, a solid regulatory framework for hydrogen refuelling stations is lacking, relying instead on existing standards or codes for comparison.[xi]
· Domestic Hydrogen Use: The use of hydrogen for domestic purposes is not extensively regulated in most countries. Australia and China have regulations for blending hydrogen in existing gas grids, while Japan and South Korea regulate hydrogen use through fuel cell systems. England regulates hydrogen concentrations in the gas network, and the Netherlands and the United States are in the process of reviewing regulations for domestic hydrogen use.[xii]
· Tailored Comprehensive Regulations: Varying degrees of regulatory frameworks exist across countries for different aspects of hydrogen mobility. To facilitate its implementation in Africa, comprehensive regulations tailored to local contexts are needed. These should cover safety measures, technical standards, environmental considerations, and guidelines for the production, storage, transportation, and domestic use of hydrogen. Harmonizing and developing clear legal frameworks will be pivotal in promoting the safe and sustainable adoption of hydrogen mobility in Africa.
Conclusion
Hydrogen-powered mobility holds promise for Africa's transportation future, offering environmentally friendly solutions. The successful implementation of this technology hinges on addressing infrastructural, legal, and regulatory challenges. Establishing a robust refuelling network and crafting supportive policies are critical steps toward making hydrogen mobility a feasible and widespread reality across the continent. With concerted efforts, Africa can pave the way for sustainable transportation and contribute to a greener future.
[i] Oshionameh Ajayi, (December 4, 2023) “BMW Drives Hydrogen-Powered Mobility in South Africa” available at https://theelectricityhub.com/bmw-drives-hydrogen-powered-mobility-in-south-africa/ accessed on December 8, 2023
[ii] Ibid n1
[iii] Ayodeji Stephen, (29 AUGUST 2022) “The Role of Hydrogen in Decarbonising Transportation in Africa” available at https://africa-energy-portal.org/blogs/role-hydrogen-decarbonising-transportation-africa-0#:~:text=Africa%20has%20abundant%20energy%20resources,water%20bodies%20on%20the%20continent. Accessed on 8 December 2023
[iv] Ibid n3
[v] Ibid n3
[vi] Ibid n3
[vii] Ibid n1
[viii] ISO (2020), ISO 19880-1:2020(en), https://www.iso.org/obp/ui/fr/#iso:std:iso:19880:-1:ed-1:v1:en:term:3.53.
[ix] The hydrogen regulatory landscape, available at https://www.oecd-ilibrary.org/sites/6130062f-en/index.html?itemId=/content/component/6130062f-en accessed on 8 December 2023
[x] Ibid n9
[xi] Ibid n9
[xii] Ibid n9