Zanzibar - AHP Delegation discusses Green Hydrogen Ecosystems in Zanzibar
Stone Town (Zanzibar), Friday, 8 July 2022
Members of the African Hydrogen Partnership (AHP) delegation had discussions with officials of the Zanzibar Investment Promotion Authority (ZIPA) led by Mr. Al-haji Mtumwa Jecha, Director Pemba Bureau at ZIPA, and met Mr. Balozi Masoud, the Private Secretary of the President of Zanzibar.
Officials of ZIPA and members of an AHP delegation had very productive discussions about developing green hydrogen ecosystems on Zanzibar which could ultimately transform the island into a hydrogen island economy boosting economic growth and job creation.
Climate change and global warming already have a profound impact on the environment, the rich maritime life and the coral reefs of Zanzibar and the islands of the Zanzibar Archipelago. Zanzibar could become a showcase for transforming an island’s economy into a green hydrogen economy illustrating the importance of addressing the root cause of global warming, i.e. reducing carbon dioxide emissions, rather than treating the symptoms.
The AHP and ZIPA delegates discussed commercially feasible baseload renewable energy power supply (using hydrogen for managing the intermittent character of renewables) and sustainability related aspects. A close cooperation with Tanzania’s government and parastatal organisations as well as with Bagamoyo, e.g. in the form of a Tanzanian Hydrogen Triangle cooperative (Zanzibar, Bagamoyo, Dar es Salaam), would provide a variety of options for minimising the impact on Zanzibar’s life on land and below the water while increasing the green economic wealth at the same time. For example, new renewable energy plants in Zanzibar and mainland Tanzania could provide low-cost clean, sustainable and renewable energy for the island. The desalination plants producing the water required for the local green hydrogen production, could be scaled up in order to increase the low cost fresh water supply for Zanzibar’s economy. Waste-to- (hydrogen)power plants would enable Zanzibar to address its waste treatment related challenges. Emission-free hydrogen vehicles (trucks, buses, lightweight or heavy duty vehicles in the port) and hydrogen vessels would consume locally produced hydrogen fuel and reduce air pollution. A Zanzibarian green hydrogen revolution will strengthen Zanzibar’s international reputation, gain a lot of attention, attract investments and support the development of high-class green hydrogen tourism.
The AHP suggested forming a Central Governmental Hydrogen Coordination Group in Zanzibar that coordinates the activities of regional and national decision makers and foreign stakeholders. Mr. Al-haji Mtumwa Jecha and Mr. Balozi Masoud assured their support. The government of Zanzibar will be informed accordingly. Member organisations of the AHP will develop the concepts further and move to the next stage of the business development process.
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