The shift towards a green hydrogen economy, which involves producing hydrogen using renewable energy sources, is more than just a response to climate change. It presents a significant and timely opportunity to promote sustainable development and create widespread economic prospects, paving the way for a sustainable future for Africa. By 2030, up to 139 million new jobs will be created in the global energy sector, with 38.2 million in the renewable energy sector alone (IRENA & ILO in Renewable energy and jobs: Annual review 2022, International renewable energy agency. Abu Dhabi and International Labour Organization, Geneva, 2022). The transition to renewable energy and the circular economy could generate over 100 million jobs by 2050 (OECD in Green economy and energy transition in emerging markets, 2021). This growth is not limited to the sector but also has the potential to promote gender equality significantly. In 2019, the renewable energy sector employed 11.5 million people (Otanicar in A review of solar hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) collectors and systems, 2023), with women making up 32% of the workforce, compared to 22% in the overall energy labour force (IRENA in Renewable capacity statistics 2020 international renewable energy agency, 2020). This data underscores the potential for a just energy transition to bridge gendered gaps that have become systemized (UN in The sustainable development goals report, 2021). However, without immediate and inclusive policy interventions, these opportunities may perpetuate gender disparities in the energy sector, and it is essential to address the gender gap in the energy sector, especially as many new jobs in the green economy will be in traditionally male-dominated sectors and occupations (ILO in World employment and social outlook. Trends, 2023). This paper delves into the intersections between the burgeoning green hydrogen sector and gender equality, proposing actionable strategies to ensure women play an integral role in this transformative industry. It not only scrutinizes current gender dynamics within the renewable energy sector and pinpoints barriers that impede women's participation and advancement but also highlights the significant role women can play in the green hydrogen sector. Through an in-depth literature review and case studies from various countries, the paper underscores best practices and successful models of gender integration in energy projects. A noteworthy example is Solar Sister in Kenya, a social enterprise that has empowered women through clean energy entrepreneurship in East Africa. Solar Sister has trained over 5,000 women entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills and resources to market solar-powered products and clean cookstoves. This success story not only aids in alleviating energy poverty but also fosters economic empowerment among women, instilling confidence in the potential of gender integration in the green hydrogen sector. Furthermore, the paper presents a comprehensive framework for policymakers and industry stakeholders to embed gender equality principles in developing the green hydrogen economy. This analytical framework ensures a comprehensive approach to gender integration based on a theory of change and intersectionality. Instead of portraying women solely as victims, the approach emphasizes women's pivotal role as protectors of ecosystems and climate initiatives. This line of discussion explores the potential for a just energy transition and highlights ongoing innovative initiatives. Furthermore, it provides insights into alternative pathways and solutions for policymaking.

Green Hydrogen Economy: Paving the Way for a Just and Inclusive Energy Transition

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发表日期：

2025年

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Amy Kebe

摘要

The shift towards a green hydrogen economy, which involves producing hydrogen using renewable energy sources, is more than just a response to climate change. It presents a significant and timely opportunity to promote sustainable development and create widespread economic prospects, paving the way for a sustainable future for Africa. By 2030, up to 139 million new jobs will be created in the global energy sector, with 38.2 million in the renewable energy sector alone (IRENA & ILO in Renewable energy and jobs: Annual review 2022, International renewable energy agency. Abu Dhabi and International Labour Organization, Geneva, 2022). The transition to renewable energy and the circular economy could generate over 100 million jobs by 2050 (OECD in Green economy and energy transition in emerging markets, 2021). This growth is not limited to the sector but also has the potential to promote gender equality significantly. In 2019, the renewable energy sector employed 11.5 million people (Otanicar in A review of solar hybrid photovoltaic-thermal (PV-T) collectors and systems, 2023), with women making up 32% of the workforce, compared to 22% in the overall energy labour force (IRENA in Renewable capacity statistics 2020 international renewable energy agency, 2020). This data underscores the potential for a just energy transition to bridge gendered gaps that have become systemized (UN in The sustainable development goals report, 2021). However, without immediate and inclusive policy interventions, these opportunities may perpetuate gender disparities in the energy sector, and it is essential to address the gender gap in the energy sector, especially as many new jobs in the green economy will be in traditionally male-dominated sectors and occupations (ILO in World employment and social outlook. Trends, 2023). This paper delves into the intersections between the burgeoning green hydrogen sector and gender equality, proposing actionable strategies to ensure women play an integral role in this transformative industry. It not only scrutinizes current gender dynamics within the renewable energy sector and pinpoints barriers that impede women's participation and advancement but also highlights the significant role women can play in the green hydrogen sector. Through an in-depth literature review and case studies from various countries, the paper underscores best practices and successful models of gender integration in energy projects. A noteworthy example is Solar Sister in Kenya, a social enterprise that has empowered women through clean energy entrepreneurship in East Africa. Solar Sister has trained over 5,000 women entrepreneurs, equipping them with the skills and resources to market solar-powered products and clean cookstoves. This success story not only aids in alleviating energy poverty but also fosters economic empowerment among women, instilling confidence in the potential of gender integration in the green hydrogen sector. Furthermore, the paper presents a comprehensive framework for policymakers and industry stakeholders to embed gender equality principles in developing the green hydrogen economy. This analytical framework ensures a comprehensive approach to gender integration based on a theory of change and intersectionality. Instead of portraying women solely as victims, the approach emphasizes women's pivotal role as protectors of ecosystems and climate initiatives. This line of discussion explores the potential for a just energy transition and highlights ongoing innovative initiatives. Furthermore, it provides insights into alternative pathways and solutions for policymaking.