By Lebone Rodah Mosima
South Africa is pushing for faster progress in turning green hydrogen projects from discussions and conceptual presentations into large-scale energy production, highlighting several local technology and pilot initiatives.
Speaking at the 8th Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting in Japan on Thursday, Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Nomalungelo Gina said a hydrogen-based economy could help leverage the country’s mineral resources to support industrialisation, decarbonisation, energy security, regional competitiveness and job creation.
“We also recognise the potential of the hydrogen economy to play a catalytic role in our country’s just energy transition and simultaneously stimulate meaningful and inclusive economic growth,” Gina said.
She said the Hydrogen Energy Ministerial Meeting should be used to leverage collective resources and expertise to build resilient regional value chains, drive industrialisation and create sustainable prosperity.
Gina referred to President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address in June 2019, when he said government needed to increase the contribution of renewable and clean energy to the national energy mix and explore the potential of the hydrogen economy.
She also cited Ramaphosa’s call at the Africa Green Hydrogen Summit in 2025 for the sector to move “from PowerPoint to Gigawatts”.
Gina said the call reaffirmed the government’s commitment to move green hydrogen projects beyond plans and presentations and towards large-scale energy production.
She highlighted several initiatives aimed at advancing South Africa’s hydrogen economy through innovation and partnerships.
“The Department of Science, Technology and Innovation, in partnership with North West University and Toyota South Africa Motors, developed a Mobile Hydrogen Refuelling Station to support the decarbonisation of the transport sector,” she said.
“This milestone represents a notable advancement in hydrogen mobility in South Africa and underscores progress towards establishing an integrated hydrogen value chain.”
Gina said the department, in collaboration with North West University and African Rainbow Minerals, had also established a Rapid Prototype Training and Testing Facility to accelerate the development and scaling of water electrolysis technologies from laboratory research to pilot and industrial applications.
The department, in partnership with North West University and Sasol, has also developed a 2kW Proton Exchange Membrane Electrolyser System, which is installed and undergoing testing at a Sasol research laboratory in Sasolburg.
“This research will provide Sasol with confidence in the locally produced technology and enable it to develop the skills that it needs to contribute to the country’s hydrogen economy,” she said.
Gina said South Africa recognised that advancing renewable energy and hydrogen technologies required strong partnerships between governments, industry, research institutions, development finance institutions, regional organisations and international partners.
“As a country, we are mindful and aware that we cannot work in silos,” she said.
She said collaboration could help South Africa develop competitive regional industries, create quality jobs, strengthen economic resilience and secure a prominent role in global green value chains.
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