The Federal Government has begun discussions with the International Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association (IHFCA) and the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO) as part of efforts to develop Nigeria’s hydrogen energy sector and attract greater investment in renewable energy.
A statement from the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning on Monday said the talks focused on hydrogen development initiatives being promoted by IHFCA and UNIDO, Nigeria’s plans to expand renewable energy investments and innovation, and opportunities for closer cooperation between the government and the two international organisations.
As part of the engagement, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu, joined officials of the International Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association, industry leaders, investors and project developers on a visit to EMT Madrid, Spain, where they inspected one of Europe’s leading green hydrogen facilities.
The delegation toured the hydrogen plant and refuelling station, which occupies nearly 50,000 square metres and is recognised as Europe’s first municipal hydrogen bus facility. The project covers the entire hydrogen production process, including production, compression, storage and distribution.
The facility produces green hydrogen through water electrolysis powered by electricity generated by a solar power system comprising 2,780 solar panels, making it completely self-sufficient in energy. It is also equipped with high-pressure refuelling dispensers capable of filling a hydrogen-powered city bus in less than 10 minutes.
The project, built entirely by Spanish engineering companies with financial support from the European Union, cost more than €17.2 million and currently supplies fuel to a fleet of 10 hydrogen-powered buses serving Madrid residents.
During the visit, Bagudu also participated in a high-level international dialogue where government officials, industry leaders, investors, standards organisations and project developers examined practical ways to expand hydrogen technology across different regions.
The discussions focused on how countries can move beyond policy discussions to the implementation of large-scale hydrogen projects through stronger international cooperation, investment, and the development of supporting industries.
Speaking at the event, participants stressed the importance of collaboration in accelerating the global transition to clean energy and creating sustainable hydrogen ecosystems that can support economic growth and environmental protection.
The conference was organised by the International Hydrogen Fuel Cell Association, an international non-profit academic organisation established by businesses, research institutions and industry groups involved across the hydrogen value chain.
The association, which was officially registered in July 2022 under the supervision of the China Association for Science and Technology, has its secretariat in Beijing, China, and works to promote global cooperation, research and innovation in hydrogen technology.
