Nigeria’s Hydropolis Project Secures First ISCC Green Certification in Africa

When Uche Nnaji, Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology of Nigeria announced that the APPL Hydropolis Project had earned the International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) on March 25, 2025, it felt like the continent had finally hit the green‑energy fast‑track. The certification, granted by Baltic Control Certification in Denmark, confirms the plant’s compliance with Renewable Fuels of Non‑Biological Origin (RFNBO) standards, rigorous greenhouse‑gas accounting and EU traceability rules. In short, a massive methanol‑to‑hydrogen hub in Nigeria is now recognised as truly sustainable on a global stage.

Background: Africa’s Renewable‑Fuel Landscape

Africa has long been a poster child for solar and wind projects, yet large‑scale liquid‑fuel alternatives have lagged behind. The idea of producing methanol from renewable electricity—known as Power‑to‑X—promises a carbon‑neutral liquid that can be stored, shipped and blended with conventional fuels. The APPL Hydropolis Project, spearheaded by APPL Hydrogen, aims to be the first African facility to turn offshore wind and solar power into RFNBO methanol at commercial scale.

According to the developer, the plant will eventually churn out up to 1 million tonnes of methanol per year, enough to supply roughly 15 percent of Nigeria’s projected fuel demand by 2035. While those numbers are still estimates, they illustrate why the ISCC stamp matters: without verified sustainability, the product could never compete in the European market, where buyers demand full carbon‑footprint transparency.

Certification Details and Standards

The ISCC system, launched in 2013, provides a single, internationally accepted framework for tracking renewable feedstocks from cradle to gate. To earn the badge, the Hydropolis Project had to undergo a three‑stage audit covering:

• RFNBO compliance – proving the electricity feeding the electrolyzers is sourced from renewables only.
• Greenhouse‑gas (GHG) calculation – confirming emissions are at least 70 percent lower than those of fossil‑derived methanol.
• Supply‑chain traceability – guaranteeing each litre of methanol can be traced back to a renewable power contract.

During the contract signing ceremony on March 24, 2025, held at the DFDS headquarters in Copenhagen, Maja Henriksen, Head of Sustainability and Green Energy at Baltic Control Certification, witnessed the formal onboarding of the project into the ISCC registry. In her remarks, Henriksen highlighted that "this is the first RFNBO methanol facility in Africa to pass ISCC scrutiny, setting a benchmark for future projects across the continent."

Stakeholder Reactions

Beyond the minister’s pride, the certification sparked a flurry of opinions:

Government side – Minister Nnaji told reporters, "This is more than a celebration of certification. It is a powerful symbol of what is possible when African‑led innovation meets global cooperation. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's Renewed Hope Agenda, we are determined to ensure that industrial growth and climate responsibility go hand in hand."

Industry view – APPL Hydrogen’s CEO, Chinedu Okonkwo, said the ISCC approval “unlocks access to European green‑fuel markets and paves the way for downstream investments, from shipping to petrochemical blending.”

Academic insight – Dr. Aisha Bello, energy analyst at the University of Lagos, warned that "the real test will be maintaining renewable electricity supply at scale. Nigeria’s grid still loses 30‑40 percent of generated power, so dedicated off‑grid renewable parks will be essential for the project’s credibility."

Economic and Environmental Impact

From an economic perspective, the plant promises to generate roughly 3 500 direct jobs during construction and about 1 200 permanent positions once operational. The Ministry of Labour estimates that ancillary industries—steel fabrication, logistics, and water treatment—could add another 2 000 jobs across the Niger Delta region.

Environmentally, the GHG audit shows a lifecycle emission reduction of 78 percent compared with conventional methanol derived from natural gas. If the facility reaches its planned 1 million‑tonne capacity, it could offset roughly 5 million tonnes of CO₂ annually—equivalent to taking about 1 million passenger cars off the road each year.

Crucially, the certification also opens doors to carbon‑credit markets. Early calculations suggest the project could generate up to €150 million in tradable credits over the first five years, providing an additional revenue stream that eases financing pressures.

Next Steps and Timeline

Construction is slated to begin in Q4 2025, with major civil works – including the 2 km electrolyzer hall and methanol synthesis unit – to be completed by mid‑2027. The first production run, targeting 200 000 tonnes of RFNBO methanol, is expected by early 2028. After that, capacity will be ramped up in two phases, each adding roughly 400 000 tonnes per year.

Meanwhile, APPL Hydrogen is already negotiating off‑take agreements with European fuel distributors and a handful of African shipping lines eager to decarbonise their fleets. The minister hinted that a public‑private partnership could see the plant’s excess renewable electricity fed back into Nigeria’s national grid, helping to curb chronic power outages.

For observers, the Hydropolis certification marks a proof‑of‑concept that could inspire similar ventures in Kenya, South Africa and Egypt, where governments are also drafting RFNBO roadmaps. As the ISCC registry now lists an African entry, the continent’s green‑fuel story is finally getting its due chapter.