Published in February 2022, it outlines the country’s path toward implementing hydrogen development. Key targets include creating an export market for green hydrogen, developing domestic supply chains, and producing 500 kilotons of green hydrogen by 2030, increasing to 15GW by 2040.

Four Catalytic Projects support heavy-duty fuel-cell trucks, job creation, and GDP growth:

The Platinum Valley Initiative (PVI) aims to establish catalytic green hydrogen hubs.
The planned Hydrogen Corridor will link the Anglo American Mokopane Platinum Mine to Johannesburg and Durban, kick-starting hydrogen-related industrial, construction, and transport projects.
South Africa as a centre of Excellence in Manufacturing for hydrogen products and fuel cell components
Creating an export market for South African green hydrogen.

A recent report suggests that South Africa could produce green hydrogen for $1.60 per kg by 2030, one of the lowest costs globally.

South Africa aims to produce up to 13 million tons of green hydrogen and derivatives annually by 2050. Achieving this requires significant renewable energy capacity, considering the country’s current wind and solar capacity of about 7 GW.

South Africa’s hydrogen plans not only enable decarbonisation, but also economic growth, exports, and a fair energy transition. Hydrogen plays a pivotal role in shaping the country’s future energy landscape.