The German Ambassador to Nigeria, Annett Gunther, has said her country is depending on Nigeria among a few other countries to meet its hydrogen needs and transition to green energy.

The envoy also said Nigeria?s abundant natural resources, location and forward thinking leadership has positioned her well as an emerging hydrogen economy.

Speaking in Abuja on Thursday at the opening of a two-day working group meeting on Nigeria hydrogen policy, Gunther said that Germany recognized Nigeria?s immense potential in renewable energy essential for the production of green hydrogen.

The meeting, which is sponsored by a German agency, Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), brought together key stakeholders in the hydrogen economy with the aim of looking at the country?s draft policy, and identify key strengths and gaps.

The German Ambassador said: ?Germany recognizes Nigeria?s immense potential in renewable energy, essential for the production of green hydrogen.

?Your country?s abundant natural resources, strategic location, and forward-thinking leadership position place Nigeria advantageously in the emerging global hydrogen economy.?

She noted that for her country to reach its climate goals, including net-zero 2045, strong and reliable international partnerships with countries like Nigeria are essential.

The envoy while speaking on Germany?s hydrogen economy, said: ?Recognizing the pace of global innovation, this strategy has since been updated and expanded?most recently with the introduction of our hydrogen import strategy. This reflects a clear understanding: Germany will not be able to meet its hydrogen needs through domestic production alone.

?To reach our climate goals, including net-zero 2045, strong and reliable international partnerships are essential. It is also in this context that we see pioneering countries like Nigeria as key partners?countries that combine renewable potential with ambition, technical expertise, and a shared vision for a climate-neutral future.?

On his part, the Country Director, GIZ Nigeria and ECOWAS, Dr. Marcus Wagner, assured the audience of his country?s readiness to continue to support Nigeria?s path towards energy diversification and creating a sustainable hydrogen economy.

He said: ?Germany looks forward to continuing to support Nigeria on its path towards energy diversification and in creating a sustainable hydrogen economy.

?We are convinced that today?s discussions will provide valuable insights that will contribute to the finalization of the hydrogen policy.?

Wagner pointed out the importance of the process, saying that national hydrogen policy is to form the foundation upon which a future-oriented, sustainable hydrogen economy in Nigeria can be built.

He said: ?A time of global transition towards sustainable energy systems, Nigeria is positioning itself as a pioneer on the African continent with this step.?

He explained that the working group meeting will provide a unique platform for inclusive dialogue among all relevant stakeholders.

He however charged the experts that their ?expertise and commitment are crucial in developing a hydrogen policy that reflects the specific needs and potentials of Nigeria?.

In his remarks, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, said hydrogen can become the country?s next major foreign income earner with strategic planning.

Bagudu, who was represented by the ministry?s Director, Economic Growth, said: ?It is important to know distinguished stakeholders that Nigeria possesses the core assets to lead in the hydrogen economy space due to its abundant renewable energy sources ideal for hydrogen production.

?With strategic planning, hydrogen can become a cornerstone of our diversification agenda, reducing our overreliance on crude oil exports while unlocking new revenue streams, industrial development, regional trade, and exports to the international market.?

He said the primary objective of the workshop is therefore ?to present the Zero Draft Hydrogen Policy to this distinguished gathering of professionals, with the aim of gathering your expert feedback, constructive criticism, and valuable insights to further refine and strengthen the policy?.

According to him, ?In partnership with key stakeholders, the ministry, with support from the German-Nigerian Hydrogen office, has crafted a Zero Draft of the National Hydrogen Policy, designed to establish a comprehensive framework for Nigeria?s hydrogen economy.

?This policy outlines the roles and responsibilities of government agencies, private sector entities, and research institutions, providing a roadmap for the development of hydrogen infrastructure, research and development initiatives, and stringent safety and regulatory standards.? (THISDAY)

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