Envision Energy, a Chinese group specialised in green technologies, has announced a collaboration with Sasol, a South African energy and chemicals group, to advance the design study of a potential green hydrogen system at Sasol’s Sasolburg site in South Africa. The partnership aims to explore the integration of renewable power, energy storage and electrolyser technologies to support the development of lower-carbon fuels and chemicals, with potential applications in eMethanol and sustainable aviation fuel (eSAF).
An announcement alongside a ministerial visit
The collaboration was highlighted during a visit by South Africa’s Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, to Envision’s Chifeng Hydrogen Net Zero Industrial Park in Inner Mongolia, China. The visit took place as part of the South Africa-China Energy Investment Conference. Other players in the sector are multiplying hydrogen cooperation agreements, such as HRS and Baker Hughes, which signed a three-year hydrogen cooperation agreement, or Hyroad Energy, which deployed a mobile hydrogen station in California.
A system integrating renewables, storage and electrolysis
According to Envision, the design study will draw on its expertise in renewable energy, battery energy storage systems and AI-enabled energy management. It will evaluate how renewable power generation, energy storage and electrolyser systems can be combined to optimise green hydrogen production based on energy availability, market conditions and operational requirements at the site. The study is expected to be completed later this year and will provide technical and commercial insights to support potential future investment decisions.
Sasol weighs its energy transition options
Sasol says it is evaluating opportunities to leverage its existing industrial capabilities and infrastructure while exploring technologies that could support its energy transition pathway and future market opportunities. “The design study with Envision is an important step in assessing how integrated renewables, energy storage and electrolyser technologies could support cost-competitive green hydrogen production at Sasolburg,” said Danie Cronje, Sasol Senior Vice President: Business Building.
For his part, Kane Xu, Senior Vice President and President of International Product Line at Envision Energy, underlined the expected role of green hydrogen in reshaping hard-to-abate industries. “Through AI-powered energy infrastructure and innovative technologies across renewables, storage and green hydrogen, Envision is working with global partners like Sasol to pioneer future energy systems that are infinite, intelligent and inexpensive,” he said.
