Solar Photovoltaic-Based Green Hydrogen in West Africa: Pathways, Potential, and Prospects
Document Type : Review Article
Authors
- Ignatius Kema Okakwu 1
- Najeem Adelakun 2
- Ayodeji Okubanjo 1
- Samson Ayanlade 1
- Christian Ike 3
- Abraham Amole 4
- Etinosa Noma-Osaghae 1
- Ayodele Akinremi 1
1 Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria
2 Federal College of Education, Iwo, Osun State
3 Globacom Nigeria
4 Bells University of Technology, Ota, Nigeria
10.22059/jser.2026.408953.1696
Abstract
Solar photovoltaic-based green hydrogen offers a strategic pathway for transitioning West Africa towards a low-carbon and sustainable energy system. This review offers a region-specific evaluation of PV-based hydrogen production and integrating renewable resources, electrolyser technologies, and techno-economic performance into a single framework. The paper reviews the global and regional literature on production pathways, system integration, deployment opportunities, and complementary hydrogen pathways. Results show that Nigeria, Mali, Senegal, and Cape Verde have high potential for competitive hydrogen production with the levelised cost of hydrogen (LCOH) of about USD 2.0-2.6/kg due to their high solar irradiance. Broader analyses indicate costs ranging from USD 3.60-6.70/kg in large-scale systems and small-scale systems ranging over USD 20/kg. Electrolyser efficiencies are 60-85%, and PV capacity factors range from 20-28%, indicating the significance of technology choice and system design. Decentralised PV-electrolysis systems are a viable solution to industrial decarbonisation and expansion of energy access. The review key priorities include hybrid renewable integration, long-term hydrogen storage, lifecycle environmental assessment, and new electrolysis technologies. The result reveals West Africa as a potential low-cost hydrogen site with great potential to contribute to energy security and industrial development.
Keywords
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