[ cover story ] stimulus through more formalised incentive programmes ( e . g ., subsidy schemes , grants , taxincentives ) to unlock long-term offtake contracts . In addition , certification schemes defining what qualifies as ‘ green hydrogen ’ are still under development . Therefore , critical government stimulus is still required to unlock this nascent sector .
“ Make sure your project is sustainable – not just environmentally , but also socially and economically .”
— Sebastian Surie
How important are partnerships with local and international stakeholders for the success of these projects ? Willem Frens : Partnerships are critical – no single organisation can develop these projects on their own , given the complexity and scale involved . We work closely with local governments , international donors , technology providers , and project developers to ensure that we have the right mix of expertise and resources .
Outlook and advice for developers What is your vision for the future of green hydrogen in emerging markets over the next decade ? Sebastian Surie : I believe that green hydrogen will play a transformative role in the global energy landscape , and emerging markets like Namibia and South Africa will be at the forefront of this revolution . With the right investments , partnerships , and policies , these countries can become major players in the green hydrogen economy , supplying both local industries and export markets . Our goal at CFM is to be a catalyst for this change , helping to unlock the full potential of green hydrogen in the global south .
“ Start with the end in mind . Think about your off-take agreements and how you plan to access markets .”
— Sebastian Surie
Over the next decade , we will see significant growth in the green hydrogen sector , both to meet the growing demand for green energy solutions as well as to cater to hard-to-abate industries that need a green molecule to decarbonise . Finally , we expect an industrial shift to the global south , whereby certain industries , such as steel , chemicals , fertilisers and synthetic fuels , are likely to move closer to the source , i . e ., where green hydrogen is produced most competitively , and an industrial shift towards emerging markets .
What advice would you give to project developers looking to attract investment for green hydrogen projects ? Sebastian Surie : My advice is to start with the end in mind . Think about your off-take agreements and how you plan to access markets . It is essential to identify where the demand for green hydrogen or its derivatives will come from and build your project around that . Whether it is for green steel , fertilisers , or synthetic fuels , having a clear end market will make your project more appealing to investors .
Another key factor is building strong partnerships . Whether it is with local governments , technology providers , or international donors , having the right partners in place can make all the difference . Finally , make sure your project is sustainable – not just environmentally , but also socially and economically . Investors are increasingly looking for projects that have a positive socio-economic impact , so it is important to factor that into your planning from the start .
Hydrogen Tech World | Issue 19 | December 2024 15