SA identifies catalytic projects to kick-start hydrogen economy

South Africa has identified four catalytic projects to kick-start the hydrogen economy as it seeks to rebrand itself as a destination for sustainable development.
The projects have been highlighted in the South African Hydrogen Society Roadmap (HSRM) released by the minister of higher education, science and innovation on Thursday.
According to the 102-page HSRM, the creation of a hydrogen economy will enable South Africa to rebrand itself as a destination for sustainable investment that incorporates environmental, societal and good governance principles.
“To kick-start the hydrogen economy in South Africa, four catalytic projects have been identified through engagements with stakeholders in the private sector,” the HSRM said.
These projects include the Platinum Valley Initiative (South African Hydrogen Valley), the CoalCO2-X Project, Boegoebaai Special Economic Zone (SEZ), and the Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF) project. The flagship projects are expected to produce approximately 500kt of hydrogen and to create at least 20 000 jobs annually by 2030, contributing at least US$5 billion to GDP by 2050.
“The projects will contribute to a growth of sustainable green industries that are resource- and energy-efficient, low carbon and low waste, non-polluting and safe. The private sector is expected to cofund and lead the execution of large-scale deployment projects to demonstrate commercial viability,” the HSRM said.
“Providing tailor-made support to shovel-ready flagship projects can enable innovation in the policymaking process while derisking the financial and technical components of a project.”
The implementation of the HSRM is expected to contribute to the goal of a "just and inclusive net-zero carbon economic growth for societal wellbeing by 2050" through the following outcomes:
• Decarbonisation of heavy-duty transport
• Decarbonisation of energy-intensive industry (cement, steel, mining,
refineries)
• Enhanced and green power sector (main and micro-grids)
• Centre of Excellence in Manufacturing for hydrogen products and fuel
cell components
• Creating an export market for South African green hydrogen
• Increasing the role of hydrogen (grey, blue, turquoise and green) in the local energy system in line with the move towards a net-zero economy.
The report noted that these industries also held “great potential” for enhanced gender equality and the empowerment of women in wider society.
“The implementation of the HSRM is expected to set the pace for the country’s creation of a sustainable workforce that is inclusive and green-growth oriented. The importance of aligning the country’s TVET college system with real industry needs and opportunities to improve labour absorption is therefore critical. A sectoral alignment with industry-specific requirements will facilitate a just labour transition, where potential job losses in the traditional coal-mining industry, for example, are mitigated through the upskilling, retraining and onboarding of workers,” the HSRM noted.
The country’s overarching National Development Plan (NDP) 2030 advocates for increased investment in an energy sector that is both economically inclusive and environmentally sustainable. The NDP calls for the prioritisation of the production of sufficient energy to ensure availability, accessibility and affordability, while reducing the economy’s carbon intensity.