Programmatic Pillars
A Six Pillar Ecosystem Framework
The COMESA Centre of Excellence on Green Hydrogen operates through six integrated programmatic pillars. Together, they establish a full hydrogen ecosystem covering regulation, certification, deployment, research, investment mobilization, and capacity development.
Each pillar addresses a systemic constraint while reinforcing the others. Click below to explore each pillar.
▸ Pillar 1: Policy and Regulatory Harmonization
Strategic Objective
Establish a coherent Regional Hydrogen Regulatory Framework that reduces investment risk and enables cross border market integration.
Why It Matters
Hydrogen intersects electricity regulation, water use, transport, environmental compliance, and industrial safety. Fragmented national approaches increase transaction costs and undermine bankability.
Key Interventions
- Model hydrogen regulations covering production, storage, transport, and end use
• Harmonized safety codes and technical standards
• Grid integration protocols for electrolysis
• Renewable coupling frameworks
• Cross border hydrogen trade agreements
• Standardized carbon accounting methodologies
Expected Outputs
- Regional Hydrogen Regulatory Framework
• Hydrogen Market Integration Roadmap
• Adoption of model regulations across Member States
• Reduced regulatory fragmentation
Institutional Anchor
Led through the regional coordination mandate of Regional Association of Energy Regulators for Eastern and Southern Africa.
▸ Pillar 2: Certification and Guarantees of Origin
Strategic Objective
Develop a credible, internationally aligned hydrogen certification system.
Why It Matters
Export markets increasingly require verified carbon intensity and traceability. Certification determines market access.
Key Interventions
- Regional carbon intensity calculation methodology
• Digital hydrogen registry platform
• Independent verification and accreditation
• Alignment with emerging international standards
Expected Outputs
- COMESA Hydrogen Certification System
• Operational Guarantees of Origin platform
• Export market recognition
• Compliance with carbon border requirements
▸ Pillar 3: Demonstration and Hydrogen Zones
Strategic Objective
Catalyze early deployment through structured hydrogen hubs.
Why It Matters
Demonstration projects reduce technology risk and validate commercial models.
Key Interventions
- Establish 2 to 3 regional hydrogen hubs
• Integration with renewable generation
• Electrolysis facilities and balance of plant systems
• Storage and handling infrastructure
• Industrial pilots in fertilizer, mining, steel, and heavy mobility
Expected Outputs
- Operational hydrogen demonstration zones
• Validated commercial deployment models
• Replicable industrial decarbonization frameworks
▸ Pillar 4: Applied Research and Innovation
Strategic Objective
Strengthen regional technical validation capacity and reduce technology risk.
Why It Matters
Localized testing and adaptation are required for safe and efficient hydrogen deployment under regional climatic and grid conditions.
Key Interventions
- Electrolyzer performance testing laboratories
• Hydrogen safety and materials research
• Water and energy optimization studies
• Fuel cell research and localization
• Partnerships with universities and global institutions
Expected Outputs
- Regional hydrogen testing facilities
• Published technical standards
• Reduced technology uncertainty
• Strengthened innovation ecosystems
▸ Pillar 5: Investment and Project Preparation Facility
Strategic Objective
Develop a pipeline of bankable hydrogen projects.
Why It Matters
Hydrogen projects are capital intensive and require structured financial preparation to attract blended finance and private investment.
Key Interventions
- Prefeasibility and feasibility studies
• Environmental and social impact assessments
• Financial modelling and transaction structuring
• Public private partnership advisory
• Risk mitigation instruments
Expected Outputs
- Structured pipeline of investment ready projects
• Mobilized development finance and private capital
• Improved leverage ratios
• Reduced project development risk
▸ Pillar 6: Capacity Building and Skills Development
Strategic Objective
Build institutional and technical human capital across Member States.
Why It Matters
Hydrogen deployment requires expertise in electrochemistry, safety engineering, carbon accounting, infrastructure regulation, and project finance.
Key Interventions
- Training programs for regulators
• Hydrogen technician certification schemes
• Executive leadership programs
• Industry focused hydrogen academies
• Regional knowledge exchange platforms
Expected Outputs
- Skilled regulatory and technical workforce
• Accredited hydrogen training programs
• Strengthened institutional readiness
• Sustainable knowledge transfer mechanisms
