Hydrogen Economy

This article seeks to discuss hydrogen economy as an evident and promising option in the quest for cleaner energy in the global toward creating a green economy for earth sustainability. The formulae for the processes are clear and the science proven for success. However, the spatial and temporal considerations are key to the endeavor and equation, hence infrastructure planning and technological permutations for the success of the project. With reference to Africa, the whole supply chain of the project is imperative. The following questions need interrogation: (i) To what extent is the hydrogen economy a part and a parcel of the broader contemporary political economy? (ii) How prepared are different regions and countries for the noble hydrogen project (with respect to sourcing/harvesting, production, storage, and consumption). (iii) What infrastructure options exist/can be created, taking cognizance of the contemporary political economy in Africa, toward a sustainable economy? (iv) How is technology to be embraced as a critical factor in production, storage, and consumption, context specificity being the rallying point. To understand these dynamics and options, the article engages literature and document review. It is recommended that, for the hydrogen economy to be actuated as a reality, political and social will are the basis for action. Location is a critical factor as it defines the stocking and transportation infrastructure for the newly found critical clean energy “gold” and commodity. Lastly, scale is a critical matter in deciding the infrastructure type and size, alongside the technology of which low-cost technology investment must be considered a primer. Overall, the hydrogen economy has been premised on the distributive and equity paradigm, supposing that all types of communities—high, medium, and low income—are to benefit. Contrarily, realities on the ground indicates the elusiveness of this promise.