Kenya announces deal to build 30GW of green hydrogen in the country, with FFI lining up for 25GW
East African nation also signs agreement with Fortescue Future Industries for a 300MW green ammonia project, with the Australian company revealing plans to potentially scale up to 25GW
Kenya has announced a deal with an unidentified investor to produce 30GW of green hydrogen in the East African nation, while also agreeing to fast-track a 300MW green ammonia project to be built by Australia’s Fortescue Future Industries (FFI).
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In a speech to world leaders at COP27 in Egypt on Monday, President William Ruto stated: “This morning we signed a framework agreement for collaboration on the development of sustainable green industries in Kenya with an investor to produce 30GW of green hydrogen in Kenya.”
Ruto, who assumed office in September, did not provide any further details.
However, yesterday, it was announced at COP27 that an agreement had been signed between Kenya and FFI to fast-track a 300MW green ammonia fertiliser facility in the country, which would be built by FFI by 2025. And in a statement, FFI said it was looking at developing 25GW in Kenya.
“The parties intend that this will be followed by the commencement of feasibility studies for two further projects that could scale up renewable electricity generation for green industries by up to 25GW, which could ultimately produce up to 1.7 million tonnes of green hydrogen per year for export,” said FFI.
It is not clear if the president was referring to FFI in his speech, or if the 25GW would be in addition to the 30GW.
In the same statement, released by FFI, Ruto is quoted as saying: “Today marks the beginning of what we all believe will be a long and fruitful partnership between Kenya and FFI.”
And according to a Twitter post from his office, the president said: “The [project] will help reduce our reliance on imports, [and] check the high cost of fertilizer and boost food production.”
FFI said it would work together with the Kenyan government will work together on the project, which “aims to provide affordable green fertiliser to the domestic market and address food security, while also negating the need for importing equivalent amounts of fertiliser”.
The 300MW facility may use geothermal energy to produce the required green hydrogen — which would then be added to nitrogen from the air to make ammonia.
“The initial green hydrogen and green ammonia facility to be located in the Naivasha vicinity of the Olkaria geothermal field will move to a pre-feasibility study, with a Final Investment Decision from FFI expected in 2023,” said FFI.
Andrew Forrest, the owner and executive chairman of FFI, was at COP27 to witness the signing of the deal.
“By stepping away from fossil fuels to use green ammonia, Kenya can eliminate its reliance on imports, reduce the cost of fertiliser and increase its food and economic security.
“Today’s agreement sets Kenya on a path to industrial decarbonisation and we are committed to walk with Kenya on that journey every step of the way.”
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