At the unveiling of Kenya's Green Hydrogen Strategy and Roadmap, President von der Leyen commended Kenya's dedication to addressing climate change and its ambitious goal of achieving 100 percent clean energy by 2030. She hailed Kenya as an inspirational example for other nations and underscored the pivotal role of the green hydrogen roadmap in helping Kenya reach its clean energy objectives, reduce emissions, nurture a strategic industry, and bolster export capabilities, particularly with partners like the EU.
The roadmap delineates Kenya's aspirations for the green hydrogen sector through 2032 and beyond, with a primary focus on advancing the domestic market, expanding exports, curbing emissions, fostering job creation, and attracting direct investments. President Ruto emphasized the roadmap's alignment with Kenya's economic expansion aspirations, job generation, and commitment to environmental sustainability. Beyond revolutionizing the energy landscape, green hydrogen, he believes, will also play a vital role in enhancing food security, especially in the cultivation of tea, coffee, horticulture, floriculture, and cereals. Moreover, it will catalyze the decarbonization of industries and the broader economy.
Jutta Urpilainen, the EU Commissioner for International Partnerships, underscored the pivotal role of green hydrogen as the energy source of the future and recognized Africa's substantial potential to lead in the development of this clean energy source. The EU's support for Kenya's transition to green energy is part of the Global Gateway initiative, an investment strategy aimed at mobilizing €150 billion for Africa's development.
Thomas Östros, Vice-President of the European Investment Bank, expressed the view that Kenya's embrace of this visionary roadmap will cement its position as a global leader in clean energy. The European Investment Bank, a significant backer of renewable energy projects in Africa, stands ready to enhance technical and financial collaboration with Kenya and international partners to harness Kenya's abundant geothermal, solar, and wind resources.
Dr. Baerbel Kofler, Parliamentary State Secretary at the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, reaffirmed Germany's unwavering support for Kenya's innovative journey. Germany is poised to provide a €60 million loan to support the production of green fertilizer in Kenya, contributing to sustainable food security. Furthermore, Germany intends to establish a hydrogen diplomacy office in Nairobi to facilitate intensified dialogue and cooperation with Kenya in this transformative field.