By Anna Marie Valentine
The Ministry of Petroleum and Energy on behalf of The Gambia, has signed a hydrogen exploration agreement with H2 Gambia, a subsidiary of HydroGenesis. This agreement was signed during the first day of African Energy Week (AEW) in Cape Town, South Africa. It was signed by the Director of HydroGenesis, Ben Sayers; and Director of Petroleum, Sheick Omar Bittaye, in the presence of the Minister of Petroleum and Energy Hon.Abdoulie Jobe. This agreement paves the way for collaboration and cooperation between both parties in the research and exploration of The Gambia’s onshore hydrogen potential.
AEW is an annual event aimed at uniting African energy leaders and pioneers, investors, and executives from across the public and private energy sectors for dialogue and presentations on the fate and future of the African energy industry.
Historically, Africa’s economy has relied heavily on the export of natural gas, petroleum products and oil. The shift towards alternative energy resources means that the continent as a whole needs to look internally and turn towards local developments, innovations and resources. Industry advancements in the African energy sector speak to the renewed focus centered around expanding the capabilities of Africa’s energy sector on maximising this industry.
The Director of Petroleum, during the signing of the agreement, said the deal allows for extensive research to be undertaken over a period of one year and it forms part of The Gambia’s energy decarbonisation efforts.
“In the event that we find commercial opportunities for Hydrogen, the deal will enable the optimisation of the entire hydrogen and energy value chain which will in turn create jobs and opportunities for economic growth for the local population,’’ he said.
The Gambia energy sector has been on a path of energy exploration through partnerships with global investors in the energy, oil and gas sectors to ensure that the country provides secure and affordable products to its citizens.
