Energy Transition: Minister Lauds Federal Govt’s €7.6bn Deal With China Firm

The Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has expressed strong approval of the federal government’s commitment to transitioning from fossil fuels to clean energy, in alignment with global best practices.

This commitment was underscored in a significant development in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, where APPL Hydrogen Limited (AHL) and LONGi Green Energy Technology Company Limited (LGETCL), a leading Chinese clean energy firm, signed a €7.6 billion deal for a groundbreaking green hydrogen project.

The project will be situated in the Liberty Free Trade Zone (LFTZ) at Atabrikang, Ibeno Local Government Area, in Akwa Ibom State.

The signing ceremony saw Mr. Idara Ekpo, the Chief Visionary Officer (CVO) of APPL Hydrogen Limited, endorsing the agreement on behalf of the company. Francois Cui, Vice President of LONGi Europe, led the Chinese delegation to close the deal.

This massive investment is expected to contribute significantly to Nigeria’s clean energy transition. LONGi is a global leader in the clean energy sector, while AHL is dedicated to providing environmentally friendly fuel solutions in Nigeria.

Chief Uche Nnaji, Nigeria’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, was present at the event, along with the Director General of the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), Mustapha Abdullahi, to represent the federal government.

In his remarks, Minister Nnaji expressed that his visit and the witnessing of the agreement highlighted the federal government’s commitment to promoting renewable energy, industrialization, and technology-driven innovation as key drivers of Nigeria’s economic growth. He emphasized that the green hydrogen project was a significant step in Nigeria’s journey towards achieving a sustainable energy future.

“As the global energy landscape shifts towards cleaner alternatives, investments in green hydrogen, green methanol, and green ammonia production will place Nigeria at the forefront of green energy innovation,” Nnaji stated.

He further highlighted the benefits of integrating science and technology in the energy sector, including industrial development, job creation, foreign investment attraction, and positioning Nigeria within the global energy market.

The minister assured that the project aligns with national priorities, particularly in supporting research and development for sustainable energy solutions. He also expressed the federal government’s readiness to collaborate with the Akwa Ibom State government to advance both investment and technological progress in the state.

Alhaji Bamanga Usman Jada, Managing Director of the Oil and Gas Free Trade Zone Authority, described the project as transformative for Nigeria’s economy. “It will diversify Nigeria’s economy, encourage exports, and help address foreign exchange issues,” he said. “It will also lead to technology transfer, create massive employment opportunities, and is environmentally friendly and sustainable.”

Engr. Idara Ekpo, CVO of APPL Hydrogen Limited, explained that the company’s involvement in the green hydrogen project is driven by the global movement towards cleaner energy sources to combat climate change. He revealed that APPL will produce green methanol from green hydrogen, with an expected annual production of 1.2 metric tons of green hydrogen derivatives, which will be used to produce medical oxygen and food-grade carbon dioxide for export.

APPL Hydrogen Limited is collaborating with 11 other international companies on the project, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s clean energy sector.