Germany to Fund Angola’s First National Hydrogen Potential Study by 2026
Germany will fund a baseline study on Angola’s hydrogen potential starting this year, according to Vandre Soellmeier, the German Economic Delegate in Angola. The announcement was made on Wednesday in Luanda during a conference on the Angola–Germany energy partnership, held as part of the state visit by German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier.
Although the investment amount was not disclosed, Soellmeier said the study’s findings—expected in the first half of 2026—will serve as a key foundation for drafting Angola’s National Hydrogen Strategy, a roadmap intended to guide the country’s entry into the global hydrogen market.
The initiative will be carried out in collaboration with the national working group tasked with developing Angola’s hydrogen strategy, ensuring that the interests of all national stakeholders are reflected.
Soellmeier emphasized the importance of a national strategy, noting that it will strengthen Angola’s positioning in international energy markets and improve access to German and European financial instruments designed to support green industrial development.
He highlighted the expanding energy partnership between Angola and Germany, built on a shared goal of delivering a cleaner, safer and more accessible energy future aligned with the Paris Agreement and global energy transition objectives.
According to Soellmeier, Angola holds some of Southern Africa’s strongest potential for renewable energy generation—particularly solar and hydropower. Combined with German-developed technologies, these resources could transform Angola into a regional clean-energy hub capable of meeting domestic needs while exporting green hydrogen derivatives.
However, he stressed that such progress requires long-term vision, planning and sustained investment.
Orlando da Mata, Chairman of the Board of Angola’s Sonangol Research and Development Center (CPD), reinforced the urgency of the energy transition.
He noted that countries must adopt innovative technologies to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, expand access to clean energy and protect the environment.
He argued that renewable energy is essential for decarbonization and energy security and emphasized the need for energy production to drive opportunities, reduce inequalities and support sustainable growth. This, he said, demands strong collaboration between governments, companies and research institutions.
Conference discussions focus on topics including “Technology and Skills for a Modern Energy System,” “Financing Energy Transition Products,” “Smart Infrastructure and Mining,” and “Energy Horizon: Driving a Sustainable Energy Partnership.”
The event, held under the theme “Driving the Industrial Future Through Energy and Decarbonization – Strengthening the Energy Partnership Between Angola and Germany,” concludes today with contributions from Angola’s Ministry of Energy and Water and Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
