Sasol, the Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, the South African National Energy Development Institute and North West University have commissioned a 2kW Proton Exchange Membrane electrolyser at Sasol’s Research and Technology campus in Sasolburg, in a move aimed at strengthening South Africa’s local hydrogen technology base.
Developed through the DSTI’s Hydrogen South Africa Programme, the electrolyser will provide a platform for testing, learning and skills development in hydrogen production and system integration. It will also be used to assess performance under variable renewable electricity conditions.
The commissioning was attended by Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Professor Blade Nzimande, alongside representatives from Sasol, SANEDI and North West University.
Nzimande said the relationship between critical minerals, beneficiation and green hydrogen is central to DSTI’s renewable energy agenda. He said the deployment of the 2kW PEM electrolyser system supports the beneficiation of critical minerals, particularly platinum group metals, and could help South Africa become a stronger player across the value chain for future energy industries.
He added that the knowledge gained from the system could support more efficient and commercially competitive scaled production of green hydrogen, expand exports and stimulate domestic use of green hydrogen in support of a net zero economic future.
Sarushen Pillay, Sasol executive vice president for business building, strategy and technology, said the project shows what can be achieved when government, academia and industry work together. He said Sasol is excited to work with the DSTI, SANEDI and North West University to turn South Africa’s green hydrogen ambitions into practical capability.
Pillay said hydrogen is an important building block for sustainable fuels and chemicals, and that the programme offers a platform to develop locally built electrolyser technology. He added that the electrolyser was built by HySA in South Africa and will be tested at Sasol’s R&T campus, describing it as a significant milestone for the country’s hydrogen landscape.
Professor Dmitri Bessarabov, who leads the Hydrogen South Africa Infrastructure Centre of Competence at North West University, said the localisation and industrial translation of technologies and intellectual property developed by HySA remain central to the success of the programme. He said partnerships with industrial players such as Sasol are vital for demonstration, testing, validation and progression to higher technology readiness levels.
SANEDI board chair Sicelo Xulu handed over the report and certificate of completion to the minister, confirming that the project had met the required standards. He said the data collected from the electrolyser would support South Africa’s hydrogen economy by drawing on local knowledge and resources, including platinum group metals, solar radiation, wind, land and desalinated ocean water.
While still at an early stage, the commissioning marks a meaningful step in South Africa’s efforts to build a domestic hydrogen economy and develop locally based energy innovation.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
