UN CSOs Conference: PACJA Shared Insights on the Role of Green Hydrogen In Reducing Emission

During the second and last day of the UN CSO conference, the Pan African Climate Justice Alliance (PACJA) highlighted the key requirements for Kenya to achieve industrial diversification through the use of Green Hydrogen.

Green Hydrogen is produced through the process of electrolysis of water and is considered a renewable source of energy that does not emit harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. It is expected to play a significant role in reducing carbon emissions globally.

PACJA shared this information on the sidelines of the ongoing UN CSO conference in Nairobi, Kenya, emphasizing the potential of Green Hydrogen to promote diversification in Kenya’s industrial sector.

During a panel discussion, the Head of Programmes and Research at Pan African Climate Justice Alliance, Mr Charles Mwangi, along with other panellists representing the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum, the private sector, the EU delegation, and H2-diplo, highlighted the urgent need to cut emissions by 43% due to the current status of emissions. They suggested that green hydrogen could be an ideal alternative solution.

Mr Charles emphasized that there are around 630 million people who don’t have access to electricity in Africa and it is essential to boost energy in Africa by focusing on social equity and justice. He added that the energy solution should be viewed from an adaptation perspective, requiring investments.

He said that as the continent strives for a just energy transition, it is essential to note that the Just transition cannot be applied homogeneously. Therefore, conversations should focus more on access, affordability, and reliability on the African continent.

Mr Charles urged addressing the issue of green adoption of green hydrogen, emphasising that it required appropriate technology and skilled manpower, access to affordable finance, and supporting localised production. He also suggested tapping into initiatives like FloCCA to support local-level actions.

The UN CSOs conference, hosted by Kenya, concludes its session today on April 10. The conference saw the participation of 1,500 attendees who engaged in preliminary discussions and shared data in preparation for the Summit of the Future, scheduled for September 2024 at the UN Headquarters in New York.