Nigeria has signed a landmark €7.6 billion green hydrogen energy agreement with China, a deal expected to diversify the country’s economy, encourage exports, and address foreign exchange challenges.
The agreement, formalised over the weekend in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, involves the Federal Government, APPL Hydrogen Limited (AHL), and LONGi Green Energy Technology Company Limited, a leading Chinese firm in renewable energy.
Managing Director of the Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA), Alhaji Bamanga Usman Jada, described the deal as a game-changer for Nigeria’s economic growth and sustainability.
“It will lead to technology transfer, create massive employment for our people; and it is environmentally friendly and sustainable,” Jada stated.
Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, signed on behalf of the Nigerian government, while Idara Ekpo, Chief Visionary Officer of AHL, and Francois Cui, Vice President of LONGi – Europe, represented their respective companies.
The green hydrogen project will be located within the Liberty Free Trade Zone at Atabrikang in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. LONGi and AHL will collaborate to develop the initiative under the terms outlined in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Highlighting the importance of the project, Nnaji emphasized its role in Nigeria’s transition to renewable energy and industrialisation.
“This project marks a significant step in Nigeria’s journey towards a sustainable energy future,” he said. He further stressed that investments in green hydrogen, green methanol, and green ammonia production will position Nigeria at the forefront of the global clean energy revolution.
According to Nnaji, integrating science and technology into the sector will spur industrial growth, create jobs, attract foreign investment, and strengthen Nigeria’s position in the global energy market.
He also assured that the federal government will work closely with the Akwa Ibom State government to support investment and technological advancement.
Speaking on the project’s specifics, Idara Ekpo of AHL explained that the world is shifting towards green hydrogen as a solution to climate change.
“APPL Hydrogen will be producing green methanol, which is one of its kind in the world. We will be producing 1.2 metric tons per year of green hydrogen derivatives, including green methanol for export.
“From that green methanol, we will also generate medical oxygen and food-grade carbon dioxide,” he revealed.
Ekpo added that AHL is collaborating with eleven other international companies to ensure the project’s success.
With the push for cleaner energy sources gaining momentum worldwide, this initiative marks a crucial step in Nigeria’s efforts to embrace renewable energy, drive economic diversification, and establish itself as a major player in the global green energy market.