On the second day of the ‘African Climate Summit’, which is being held in Nairobi (Kenya) from 4 to 6 September, the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and the President of Kenya, William Ruto, jointly announced the launch of Kenya’s green hydrogen strategy and roadmap.
This ambitious initiative is part of the European Union’s ‘Global Gateway’ strategy to support global efforts to combat climate change.
The roadmap, drawn up in collaboration with EU experts, sets out Kenya’s objectives and ambitions for developing its green hydrogen industry over the period from this year to 2032 and beyond. It focuses on developing the Internal market, exports, reducing emissions, creating jobs and direct investment.
Through ‘Global Gateway’, the EU is committing nearly €12 million in grants to mobilise public and private investment in Kenya’s green hydrogen industry. This initiative is part of a total investment of €3.4 billion in Kenya’s climate and nature. This includes the development of renewable energies, the creation of sustainable agricultural value chains, climate resilience and environmental protection.
Ms von der Leyen, who was invited to give the opening address on Tuesday 5 September (see other news), and who also took part in the panel discussion on a ‘New global architecture for financing the fight against climate change’ stressed the importance of this collaboration. In the press release published by the Commission she states: “Kenya is a key ally in the fight against climate change, as shown by the initiative to host the African Climate Summit on the road to COP28. Kenya's ambitious target of 100% clean energy by 2030 is an inspiration for other countries. The Roadmap on Green hydrogen will support Kenya towards that goal”.
And with good reason: according to the Commission’s figures, Kenya has already made significant progress in the transition to clean energy, with over 90% of its electricity coming from renewable sources. This green hydrogen roadmap aims to give investors the certainty they need to develop this industry, reduce emissions and boost food security by promoting the green production of agricultural products. (Original version in French by Nithya Paquiry)