Hydrogen as a solution for a stable and sustainable low-carbon energy system in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

The increasing penetration of renewable and distributed energy resources in Sub-Saharan Africa has intensified concerns about energy security, frequency deviations, and overall grid instability. Addressing these challenges requires reliable energy storage solutions capable of supporting a stable, low-carbon electricity supply. This study adopts a combined qualitative and quantitative approach to examine the role of hydrogen energy storage systems in enhancing renewable energy integration and advancing decarbonisation across the region. Qualitatively, policy and regulatory preparedness is assessed across twelve Sub-Saharan African countries, while a quantitative decarbonisation cost–benefit analysis evaluates hydrogen’s potential for peak-load management and grid reliability at the national level. Hydrogen storage is proposed as a scalable, low-carbon solution, with South Africa, Kenya, and Ghana emerging as the most promising case studies due to their stronger renewable energy profiles and implementation capacities. The findings show that strategic investment in hydrogen energy storage can significantly reduce CO₂ emissions and improve grid flexibility, although high upfront costs and regulatory constraints remain key barriers. This study contributes a cross-country readiness assessment, empirical evidence of hydrogen’s system-level benefits, and a framework incorporating both green and other hydrogen pathways. These insights highlight the broader applicability of hydrogen storage for developing regions seeking robust, long-term strategies to stabilise renewables-based power systems and accelerate the transition toward low-carbon energy futures.